Following lukewarm 2009 holiday retails sales, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting a 2.3% increase in holiday retail sales this year to $447.1 billion. Additionally, last year online spending on Cyber Monday equaled $887 million and more than half of those dollars were spent at U.S. websites.
As Thanksgiving fast approaches and shoppers begin to let go of their wallets, consumers need to practice heightened vigilance while visiting and shopping on Thanksgiving and holiday-themed websites according to Roger Thompson, chief research officer for AVG, the world’s leading provider of free Internet security solutions.
AVG recommends the following 5 'don'ts' while shopping online:
As Thanksgiving fast approaches and shoppers begin to let go of their wallets, consumers need to practice heightened vigilance while visiting and shopping on Thanksgiving and holiday-themed websites according to Roger Thompson, chief research officer for AVG, the world’s leading provider of free Internet security solutions.
AVG recommends the following 5 'don'ts' while shopping online:
1.Tis the season for giving, but don’t give away your personal data!: There is no reason to disclose your address, phone number and credit card information if you are trying to get something for free via the Internet. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info via email -- and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card) information—AKA 'phishing' scams. Your dedicated shopping e-mail account should be in no way affiliated with your personal, everyday e-mail account. Also, keep records of your online shopping – print confirmation pages and e-mail confirmations.
2. Don’t let your anti virus security software expire: A first step for all consumers is to ensure their PCs or Macs are protected and updated with the latest anti-malware technology, specifically making sure browser security enhancements are configured and enabled in AV software. To use the Free version of AVG 2011, which has all of the core advancements of security protection, consumers can visit www.free.avg.com
3. Don't settle for the top results of your search:Advertisers and marketers work diligently to place their tricky deals to the very top of search results, hoping you'll assume the stuff on top is the best. If you decide to scope out whatever pops up first, be extra careful and use common sense.
4.Don’t become password complacent:As the end of the year approaches, don’t rely on the familiarity of your current passwords and switch up your passwords on your credit card and bank accounts. Refresh your e-mail accounts with an updated, unique password. Write them down and keep the information in a secure location.
5. Don’t use multiple credit cards:It’s much easier to track transactions and detect suspicious activity if you limit the number of credit cards you use to one or two. Make sure each card offers identify theft protection.
These ‘don’ts’ are rooted in common sense, however, many Americans continue to become victims of credit and debit card fraud and ID theft year-over-year. For example, the number of U.S. identity fraud victims rose 12 percent to 11.1 million adults last year, the highest level since the survey began in 2003. (Source: Javelin Strategy & Research, "Identity Fraud Survey Report," February 2010).
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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