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As more shoppers go online to find their merchandise, scammers are looking for new ways to rob them and commit fraud.  Online sales are expected to increase 4.8 percent year over year, so buyers must get smarter about how they shop online. Yahoo Finance offers helpful tips on how to avoid getting victimized by crooks.

Here are six smart ways to thwart would-be thieves:

  1. Always use a credit card instead of debit card
  2. Make sure you practice smart online browsing
  3. Consider using the digital wallet to keep info safe
  4. Double-check websites to make sure they’re legit
  5. Choose added security offered by your card company
  6. Know your card purchase protection benefits

Taking time to do your research and understand how to mitigate online risks is well worth your while. Don’t hesitate to contact your credit card company and ask them about purchase protections and warranties. Before doing business with them, check out unfamiliar websites with the Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies.

Finally, avoid making purchases using a public WiFi network, which might be easily hacked by fraudsters.

Council of Seniors Works to Strengthen Social Security

Extra retirement income provides seniors with more peace of mind. Here at Council of Seniors, we’re working tirelessly to get Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. Over the past few years, the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) fell short and withheld $581 from seniors. It’s time for that money to be returned.

Please sign our petition to help right away. Your support will make a real difference in returning this money to seniors.

Do you think online shopping is safe? Leave us a comment and let us know.

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