Posted: Nov 25, 2009 8:00 PM CST Updated: Nov 26, 2009 8:27 PM CST
by Larry Lemmons
Newschannel 10
Amarillo, Texas - Scams and identity theft are dangers for online shoppers as the holiday shopping season gets underway.
Believe it or not more than half of consumers are expected to shop online for holiday gifts.
But there are some simple rules to follow if you do. The best way to protect yourself when ordering online is to go to well-known secure sites, preferably with a local outlet.
Cpl. Jerry Neufeld of the Amarillo Police Department says, "If you're going to buy something, if there's at least a local connection like Best Buy, or whoever, that if you have a problem with your statement or you didn't receive the product, I can go out here off Soncy and go talk to a manager and say, hey, this is what I've done.
Brian Hughes, Manager of the Best Buy in Amarillo says, "Here at Best Buy we always strive to take care of our customers not only in the store but online too."
It's also important that your own computer be secure. Hughes says, "So many things going on now with hacking and people stealing data that it's very important that you have your computer protected, anti-spyware, antivirus, very important. If not, you go on to three or four websites right off the bat you get a virus and you're shut down."
Skimming is when thieves use small devices at a card swiping machine to steal your information. Police say they haven't seen many if any instances of skimming here in Amarillo but if you're traveling or you want to be cautious you might give the slot a little shake, just to see if it comes off."
Finally, if you think you're a victim of identity theft, place a fraud alert on your credit reports quickly and file a police report.
Online shopping is becoming a lot more popular with folks who don't like to fight the crowds. In fact, 26 percent more folks will be doing that over last year.
http://www.newschannel10.com/global/story.asp?s=11575900
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