8 Tips to shopping safe online

Quick tips every shopper should know

5. Inoculate Your PC

Swindlers don't just sit around waiting for you to give them data; sometimes they give you a little something extra to help things along. Protect against malware with regular updates to your anti-virus program.

6. Use Strong Passwords

This is a must for anyone with access to the internet. An uncrackable password is critical for any website you've created an account with, most importantly when banking and shopping online. Make sure your password includes a combination of letters and numbers and please do not use the word "Password" or "12345".

7. Don't get lazy because you're on a mobile device

There's no real need to be any more nervous about shopping on a mobile device than online. The trick is to use apps provided directly by the retailers, like Amazon, Target, etc. Use the apps to find what you want and then make the purchase directly, without going to the store or the website.

8. Know What's Too Good to Be True

I know we don't have to tell our savvy YAY! Savings members that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. But you know what happens when you assume. Beware of deals that set off your sensible spidey sense - even if it was sent to you by one of your friends, who might innocently forward such a thing. Skepticism in most cases can go a long way toward saving you from a stolen credit card or identity.