Dec12Written by:Knight Blogger
12/12/2008 1:58 PM 
This time of year brings a significant rise in the number emails, animated cards, attachments, games, chain letters, jokes, and video links. Additionally, some messages may be identity theft scams, or contain malicious links or attachments. Please exercise caution when opening your email and clicking on any links that are included. If you aren't 100% sure about the sender, it's better to disregard the email than to risk infecting your computer or having personal financial data stolen from it.
Also, many of us rely on the convenience of online shopping. Here are some tips that can save you trouble:
- Don't fall for a false e-mail or pop-up. Legitimate companies don't send unsolicited email messages asking for your password or login name or your financial information.
- Know who you're dealing with. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
- Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
- Use a credit card with a limited line of credit or fraud protection for online or phone purchases.
- Print and save records of your online transactions.
- Use only secure Internet sites when providing personal or financial information. Look for a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL that begins with "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure") before providing information.
Lastly, as you visit the malls to shop, keep these in mind:
- Place purchases in the trunk and do not leave any valuables (or items that appear to be valuable) in visible locations within your vehicle.
- If you expect to be shopping until the stores close, park your car in a well lighted place (or a place that will be well lit when the lights come on) and closer to the door you plan to leave from.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and who is walking nearby.
- If you feel at all unsafe, find a store/mall security guard and have them walk you to your car.