| With Christmas coming up, many consumers will | | | | - Shop using secure sites - with a wide variety of |
| be turning to the internet in order to sort out | | | | shopping sites on the internet, it's best to ensure |
| their shopping. And why not, there's none of the | | | | that your chosen site has a padlock symbol in the |
| hassle of the shops and there are some great | | | | bottom right hand corner of your browser. Also |
| bargains to be had - everything from televisions | | | | check that the URL reads 'https' - which helps to |
| to toys. | | | | indicate that the site is on a secure server. |
| With more consumers now having access to | | | | - Ensure that you have the current version of |
| affordable broadband deals, online shopping is an | | | | your chosen internet browser - whether it's IE, |
| area that will no doubt see an increase, as more | | | | Firefox or that of your broadband provider - and |
| of us choose to avoid the physical scramble to | | | | that your security settings are of a high level. |
| find a bargain in favour of ordering off secure | | | | - Make use of anti-virus and anti-spyware |
| websites and having the gifts delivered to our | | | | software in order to protect your system from |
| doors. | | | | unwanted nasties. |
| However, as nice as the idea sounds, there are | | | | - Take care of your passwords, do not disclose |
| many out there who will be looking to take | | | | them to anybody. When selecting a password |
| advantage of your desire for a bargain, and if | | | | while signing up for an online shopping account, be |
| you're not careful you could find yourself giving | | | | sure to use complex password - combinations of |
| away a lot more than the money for the item | | | | letters and numbers are usually the safest. |
| itself. | | | | - Keep a record of your order forms - print out |
| Online fraud is an area which causes concern | | | | screenshots of receipts, confirmation e-mails and |
| amongst broadband users, with many worried | | | | the sites' terms and conditions as proof of |
| about their personal details ending up in the hands | | | | purchase, this will provide some useful backup |
| of criminals. And with online sales predicted to rise | | | | should there be any complications with delivery or |
| in the run up to a busy Christmas period, | | | | the product itself. |
| consumers will have to be extra vigilant to avoid | | | | - Register your credit and debit cards to secure |
| adding to increasing levels of online fraud. | | | | schemes - such as Verified by Visa or |
| There are, however, a few simple steps you can | | | | SecureCode for a little more peace of mind when |
| take to ensure that your details remain safe from | | | | shopping online - some secure sites will offer this |
| fraudsters, allowing you to shop safely and grab | | | | service towards the end of your order. |
| those bargains: | | | | |