![\"Cyber](\"https:\/\/www.thevwindependent.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Cyber-Monday-artwork2-11-2015.jpg\" "\\"MGN")
<\/a>\u201cIt\u2019s a busy time of year, but it\u2019s important not to let your guard down when it comes to identity theft and fraud prevention,\u201d DeWine said. \u201cWe encourage people to check out the websites they\u2019re using before entering payment information, to be careful about the type of payment they use when shopping online, and to watch for signs of a scam.\u201d<\/p>\nThe Monday after Thanksgiving, known as Cyber Monday, is considered one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, and according to survey results from the National Retail Federation, almost half of holiday shopping (browsing and buying) will occur online this year.<\/p>\n
To avoid scams while shopping online, the attorney general offers consumers the following recommendations:<\/p>\n
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- Install updates on devices before shopping<\/b>. Installing updates on one\u2019s phone, tablet, computer, or other electronic devices can add new security patches and critical files, so make sure apps, anti-virus software, operating systems, and other important programs are up to date before entering payment information. Remember to download or install updates only from the official app provider.<\/li>\n
- Review complaints against online sellers<\/b>. Check for consumer complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General\u2019s Office and Better Business Bureau. Also use a search engine to type the name of the company or website along with terms such as \u201ccomplaint,\u201d \u201cscam,\u201d or \u201creview.\u201d Those who find mostly negative information, or if they find no information at all, should be skeptical. Don\u2019t enter any personal information if a website seems less than credible.<\/li>\n
- Use a secure Internet connection<\/b>. Before entering a credit card number or other personal information, be sure the web address begins with \u201chttps\u201d instead of \u201chttp.\u201d The \u201cs\u201d indicates a secure connection. Also, do not use free, public Wi-Fi to log into bank accounts or to enter credit card or other financial account information.<\/li>\n
- Pay with a credit card<\/b>. When Ohioans pay with a credit card, they generally have stronger protections against fraudulent charges. Be sure to save documentation, such as invoices and confirmation emails, to compare them against credit card statements. Those who find any unusual activity or unauthorized purchases, should report it to their credit card provider immediately. Also, be suspicious of any sellers that require them to pay via wire transfer or prepaid money card. These are preferred payment methods for scam artists, because it is difficult to recover or trace the money once it\u2019s sent.<\/li>\n
- Don\u2019t respond to pop-up messages<\/b>. Some pop-up messages are placed by scam artists hoping to obtain money or personal information. For example, in one version of the \u201ctech support scam,\u201d consumers receive a pop-up message from someone who claims to represent their computer company and says their device has been infected with a virus. The message prompts consumers to call for more information. Eventually a representative asks them for payment information or access to their computer to help fix the problem. Even if it sounds legitimate, it\u2019s actually a scam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Review complaints against online sellers<\/b>. Check for consumer complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General\u2019s Office and Better Business Bureau. Also use a search engine to type the name of the company or website along with terms such as \u201ccomplaint,\u201d \u201cscam,\u201d or \u201creview.\u201d Those who find mostly negative information, or if they find no information at all, should be skeptical. Don\u2019t enter any personal information if a website seems less than credible.<\/li>\n