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How to Protect Yourself While Online Shopping

Online shopping has become incredibly popular, allowing you to order almost anything from the comfort of your home. However, this convenience comes with risks, such as fraud and identity theft. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while shopping online.

1. Use Strong Passwords

Creating strong passwords is crucial for protecting your online accounts. Use at least 12 characters, and consider a mix of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Avoid common phrases or easily guessable information. Enabling multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security.

2. Pay With a Credit Card

Credit cards offer more protection for online purchases compared to debit cards. Most credit card issuers have a zero-liability policy for fraudulent transactions, ensuring you won’t owe money for unauthorized purchases. Debit cards, on the other hand, may not offer the same level of protection.

3. Only Use Secure Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi networks are more secure than they used to be, it’s still safer to shop on a private, encrypted network. Look for a lock symbol or “https” in the web address to ensure the connection is secure. If in doubt, use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

4. Avoid Unknown Retailers

Be cautious when purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media ads. Research the retailer by checking reviews and looking them up on the Better Business Bureau. This can help you avoid scams and low-quality products.

5. Review Your Credit Card Statement

Regularly review your credit card statements to catch any unauthorized transactions early. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your card issuer immediately to report the fraud and take necessary actions.

6. Use a Virtual Credit Card

Some credit card issuers offer virtual cards for online shopping. These temporary numbers are linked to your credit card account but prevent merchants from seeing your real card number. This adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of identity theft, take these steps to protect your identity and finances:

1. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

File a report with the FTC to receive a personal recovery plan and an identity theft affidavit. This can be used if you need to file a police report.

2. Report to Local Law Enforcement

Check with your local law enforcement agency to see if you can report the crime online or if you need to go in person.

3. Contact Your Card Issuer

Inform your card issuer as soon as possible so they can cancel the compromised card and issue a new one. They will also investigate and remove any fraudulent charges.

4. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit File

Contact one of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will notify lenders to take extra steps when opening new accounts in your name.

5. Change Your Passwords

Update the passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised, as well as any accounts that use the same password.

6. Monitor Your Credit

Keep an eye on your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You can sign up for free credit monitoring services to help with this.

7. Freeze Your Credit

Consider freezing your credit report with each of the credit bureaus to prevent new lines of credit from being opened in your name. You can lift the freeze when needed.

Contact O1ne Mortgage for Your Mortgage Needs

At O1ne Mortgage, we are committed to providing you with the best mortgage services. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at 213-732-3074. Our team of experts is here to help you with all your mortgage needs.

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