AS YOU WRAP UP YOUR ONLINE HOLIDAY SHOPPING, A CONSUMER ECONOMICS EDUCATOR WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION OFFICE HAS SOME TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET. 

FOR STARTERS, U OF I EXTENSION’S KATHY SWEEDLER RECOMMENDS USING A CREDIT CARD RATHER THAN A DEBIT CARD.

OTHER ADVICE INCLUDES ONLY SHOPPING ONLINE WITH TRUSTED RETAILERS AND MAKING SURE THE BROWSER HAS THE LOCK SYMBOL OR READS “HTTPS” WHICH SIGNIFIES A SECURE CONNECTION. SWEEDLER SAYS YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK BANK AND CARD STATEMENTS CAREFULLY FOR ANY UNUSUAL ACTIVITY.

SWEEDLER ALSO ADVISES ONLY BUYING ONLINE FROM TRUSTED RETAILERS AND MAKING SURE THE BAR ON TOP HAS THE LOCK SYMBOL OR THE WEB ADDRESS STARTS WITH “HTTPS,” SIGNALING THAT THE CONNECTION IS SECURE.