The holidays are upon us! Don’t get started on any Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals before you read these holiday shopping safety tips. There are awesome deals (like these Black Friday Amazon deals) but you need to be smart about buying them.

Protect yourself…and your sanity!

Most shoppers are more concerned than ever about protecting their personal and financial data. However, in a rush to secure that “doorbuster deal” or Black Friday sale, shoppers don’t always consider the most secure ways to pay when making purchases. Holiday shopping is now a fast-paced frenzy, with everyone hoping to find the best deals quickly. However, in the haste to score a limited-time bargain, some shoppers can get careless with their financial information.

Easy ways to stay safe indoors and outdoors this winter season!

Brittney Mayer, credit strategist at Cardrates.com, has some simple, yet very important holiday shopping safety tips to keep in mind when shopping for Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals, especially when using credit cards.

6 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

 1. Use a credit card that provides fraud protection.

Most credit cards offer $0 Fraud Liability policies, but others may not. Check your cardholder agreement or benefits documentation to see if your card offers $0 fraud protection.

 2. Use online payment services like Paypal.

This allows you to avoid giving financial information to retailers, but be aware of whether the site is secure before you enter your account information.

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 3. Use a virtual credit card number

Several credit card issuers also offer virtual credit card numbers. Use one to further help protect your account information. 4. Choose a credit card that offers return protection.

Let’s face it. You might need to return something. Return protection gives all holiday shoppers using credit cards an avenue to get their money back if the merchant refuses a legitimate return.

 5. Set up credit card alerts through your online banking or mobile app.

Use your smart phone. Set up alerts to notify you where and when purchases happen. If something seems out of the ordinary, contact your bank ASAP.

 6. Use trusted sites.

You should be sure to only shop through trusted retailers with HTTPS-only sites. If it says “unsecured”, you should not trust it with your financial information. 

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With bargains galore available during the holiday shopping season it is still important to use precautions to help protect your purchases. Whether it’s fab Black Friday deals or awesome Cyber Monday deals, these holiday shopping safety tips can protect it all!