BitDefender offers tips for safe online holiday shopping

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November 2009 Security Services & Risk Management

What every savvy shopper in pursuit of online deals should know before entering a credit card number.

It is that time of year again. The holidays are coming up, and it is time to shop! BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, offers up some simple tips to help consumers protect themselves from online scammers this holiday season.

“Taking advantage of the many benefits of online shopping like competitive pricing, great selection, or even freebies like zero shipping fees and free gift wrapping, does not have to cost consumers more than they have bargained for,” said Catalin Cosoi, BitDefender’s senior antispam researcher. “By being aware of a few key issues, consumers can shop safely with the knowledge they need to protect their personal information and their PC.”

The following tips include suggestions to consider before shopping online this holiday season and throughout the New Year:

Know where you are shopping and read the fine print. Not every website and online shop is a safe and reputable merchant! The truth is many thieves are quite skilled at crafting very convincing, legitimate-looking online shopping sites. Be very careful who you purchase from.

If the merchant wants more than your name and e-mail address in order to cash in that coupon, beware. A common phishing tactic targeting online shoppers utilises online promotions and sales to entice a consumer to enter personal information in order to receive coupons or other merchandise. While many reputable sites offer coupons or samples, they will never ask for excessive amounts of personal information to redeem them, most only require a name and e-mail address.

Additionally:

* Always shop from a secure PC with a good security suite installed.

* Try to stick to the known and trusted sites.

* Be wary of 'great gift' or 'special offer' e-mails from unknown addresses, it is likely fake and should be avoided.

* Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Debit cards offer a lower liability in case you are the victim of fraud.

* Check for security seals on all shopping sites.

* Make sure that the connection to the website is an http. This does not guarantee safety, but in most cases these sites are safe.

* Consider alternative ways of payment, such as cash upon delivery.

For more information contact Alina Anton, senior PR and marketing coordinator, EMEA & APAC Business Unit, Bitdefender, +40 212 063 470, aanton@bitdefender.com, www.bitdefender.com

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BitDefender offers tips for safe online holiday shopping

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