The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is offering some tips for people who plan to do their holiday shopping online.
Shopping on the Internet can turn up some great deals. But when it comes time to pay, DATCP's Glen Loyd says you should protect yourself from identity theft by using a regular credit card. Loyd says using a credit card offers more protection than a debit card, since your money is protected if the information is a stolen. A thief who takes debit card information could potentially wipe out your bank account.
Loyd says to also make sure the site you're using offers a secure website for payments. He says the easiest way to know is if the URL has "https" at the start of it.
Shoppers are also urged to watch out for shipping costs before placing an order. Loyd says a good deal can quickly turn into a bad one if a retailer or seller charges excessive shipping costs.
Loyd you should also try to stick to online retailers with an established reputation.
