Let's be honest, we all like a good deal, and sometimes we get so focused on saving money we forget about the world around us. So before you hop online to add the many Cyber Monday deals to your shopping cart, here are a couple tips to keep your info safe.
Make sure the site you're shopping on is secure.
Tech expert Marc Saltzman says it is very important that if you are going to putting any of your information, especially credit card information, into any site online, you need to make sure it is secure. To do that look for the lock icon in the address bar, or that the web address starts with "https:" before the website name. That "S" means you have a secure connection.
"Only then should you give your credit card number out to buy anything," Saltzman told CTV News Channel on Sunday.
Don't be scammed by fancy apps.
If you plan to do your online shopping on your smart phone via apps, be sure the apps main function isn't to steal your information so someone else can have themselves a Merry Christmas.
According to Saltzman you should always check when an app was posted to the Apple App or Google Play (Android) stores. If it's designed to steal from you it should be relatively new with very few downloads.
"Never be the first person to download a new app," Saltzman said.
As for the ones already one your phone, Saltzman said they are fine because they won't suddenly get hijacked.
Make sure you're on a trusted Wi-Fi connection.
While it may be great to hop on the free public internet connection offered in various locations, there is always the chance a "digital eavesdropper" is lurking on that same connection. If you're on an open network, it's safest if you just don't trust it and do not do anything you wouldn't want someone knowing all about, especially online shopping or banking.
If you're buying online, pay online.
Sending payment, whether it is cash or cheque, via standard mail is never a good idea because there is no way to protect yourself from being ripped off. Once that money is out of your hands, it's as good as gone with nothing requiring a seller to give you anything in return. Online purchases with your credit card or through PayPal are safer, and more secure, because they offer buyer protection.
"Definitely stay with a secure payment method," Saltzman said.