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Safe and Savvy Online Shopping

This year, shoppers are hitting online stores in record numbers for their holiday gift-giving. Offering everything from one-click gift cards to free shipping, Internet retail is really giving its brick-and-mortar counterparts a run for the money. And why shouldn't it? Online stores are fast and easy to shop, quick to deliver, and generally provide easy return policies. But are they secure? The answer, of course, is usually…but not always. So how do you tell?

The "s" in https

Ever wonder why some website addresses have an "s" in their https://? That "s" represents security. Most sites are simply "http" until you reach the page that asks for sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal data. But once there, if you don't see that "s" after "http" in the navigational bar, you might quickly consider shopping elsewhere. Chances are, there's nothing separating that personal information from your screen and the bad guys.

Security icons

Another sign of security is a small lock icon in the status bar or navigational bar of your Internet browser. Click on this lock symbol, and it will show the security specifications of the site. You may also see a logo for a security symbol, such as VeriSign, on the site's payment page. You can roll over these logos, as well to research security specifics. And while these are almost always legit, keep in mind that logos on a page are much easier to falsify, while a lock in the navigational or status bar is not. So to ensure your data's security, that little lock symbol in your browser is your best bet.

Better Business Bureau symbol

Often, a company affiliated with the Better Business Bureau will place the BBB logo somewhere on their page. To check a store's accuracy, you can click on the symbol to automatically check its BBB profile. If you don't see the BBB logo and you're not completely comfortable shopping on that site, check the online store's standing at www.bbb.org.

Eye-popping low price

If someone's selling an iPad for $24, or the latest craze in kids' toys is just $1.99, chances are something is amiss. It's that age-old holiday shopping rule: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The catch could be anything—outright theft, a virus "gift" for your computer, a personal information download, or some other unwanted holiday exchange. So if it appears "iffy," stay away, and try to find real deals from stores you trust.

Keep these tips in mind, along with a general "street-wise" attitude, and your online shopping experience may help you pocket a little time along with added savings this season. Happy holidays and safe shopping!