By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
Cyber Monday kicks off the online holiday shopping season for some. Be careful that the sites you shop on are real and secure.
Fraud investigators with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department recommend the following:
•Use one credit card for all online purchases to avoid exposing other cards.
•Do NOT click on links from unsolicited emails. Go to the website instead.
•Make sure the website is legitimate and secure. Check for the lock icon in the address bar, and make sure the address begins with https.
•Make sure the browser, anti-virus and malware protection software is updated on the computer you are using.
•Avoid using a public computer. Shop at home on a secured network.
•Avoid using open Wi-Fi for financial transactions. Password protect your Wi-Fi and use a Firewall.
•Create a unique password for every online account. Use at least eight letters and a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
•Update your passwords frequently.
•Do not trust sellers who ask you to pay with a wire transfer or prepaid debit cards.
•Lock your smartphones and tablets with a password or code feature to prevent thieves from stealing and using them to make purchases.
•Only download apps from a trusted app store or online platform such as Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.
•Use a security app to protect your smartphone or tablet device against malicious apps and malware.
•Monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
