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While you’re going about your holiday shopping, keep a few things in mind.

  • If you give a store a cookie, it might start invading your personal space. Disable or clear cookies to prevent stores and advertisers from tracking your browsing history and habits, and from retargeting you for related offers.
  • Stay secure. Never send payment information over public or unsecured networks. Use only secure networks to make online purchases.
  • “There’s an app for that®,” as Apple says. If you’re using a mobile device (tablet or smartphone), consider making purchases through secure and official retail apps rather than through your phone or tablet’s Web browser—especially while using an unsecured  Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, restaurant, shopping mall, etc.
  • Click now to claim your malware! During the holidays, social engineers will use fake advertisements, social media posts, and phishing email to trick you. Their scams will push “limited time offers” that urge you to click a link or download a coupon. If you click before you think, you might infect your computer, phone, or tablet. This is a great way to get malware, but a bad way to shop.
  • Watch for fake product or site reviews. If a reviewer hasn’t made any other reviews or writes in obvious “marketing speak,” be wary. Genuine reviews are varied, honest, and spread out over months or even years.

For more information, visit the following Web pages:

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