Keep your money, identity safe on Cyber Monday

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Updated: December 29, 2011 8:08AM

If you plan to be among the estimated 120 million Americans who are expected to shop for online deals Monday, be careful not to be scammed or have your credit card number stolen.

Security experts, including Chicago-based security company Protection 1, offer the following advice for staying safe on Cyber Monday:

† Beware using public Wi-Fi networks to shop, since thieves may be able to pluck your credit-card numbers off of the airwaves.

† Be sure your computers, tablets, laptops, mobile phones and other devices have the latest software to protect against viruses, phishing scams, identity theft and other crimes. Most of the software is free to download.

† Look for secure websites that start with https:// instead of http://. Secure sites will also feature a small lock icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.

† Don’t share too much. No store needs your Social Security number or your birth date.

† Check billing statements of credit and debit cards regularly to make sure the charges are accurate. You have 30 days to notify a bank or card issuer of problems.

† Use passwords that are difficult to crack, such as unpredictable strings of numbers and letters rather than numbers in sequence, your birthdate, anniversary, pet’s name or car license plate number.

† Before clicking on what looks like a retailer coupon, make sure it links to the retailer and not an unauthorized site looking for personal information.

Sandra Guy