Cyber Monday tips to protect consumers

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Before you buy online this Cyber Monday, be sure to protect your personal information by following these 10 On Your Side tips. 

1.) Register Early - Take the time to enter your billing and shipping information well before the clock strikes midnight. It will cut your checkout time in half and help you avoid mistakes. With reputable retailers, the URL at checkout will begin with "https" denoting a secure system. 

2.) Avoid Scams - The number of email and telephone scams increase during the holidays. Do not answer any caller or reply to any email from a name or number you don't recognize. Do not click on links embedded in suspicious emails. The best way to avoid scams is to log onto the reputable retailer's main web page.

3.) Update Passwords - Make sure your passwords are strong enough to avoid hackers from guessing the right combination of letters and numbers. Vary passwords from site to site. Do not use personal information, such as your name, initials, address or telephone number in passwords.

4.) Use Smartphones Wisely - Mobile devices are great tools for shopping on the go. Many stores even have their own applications to make the process easier. But before making a purchase on a mobile device, check to see if the device is connected to an open wireless network. Open networks mean your data is not secure.

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