As shoppers flock online to secure gifts for their loved ones, Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner Jill Clayton is asking customers to be vigilant when sharing their personal information.

In order to protect your privacy, Clayton has prepared a list of online s tips for shoppers to consider during the holiday season and throughout the year.

  • When making an online purchase, it can be convenient to simply accept the retailer’s privacy policy, but researching the policy is critical prior to any purchase.
  • Enter personal information only on secure websites with “https” preceding the website address.
  • Follow up with the retailer immediately if you don’t receive an email to confirm a purchase.
  • A low limit credit card is advisable for online purchases, as well as assurance of coverage for any losses due to fraud.
  • Keep computer Internet security software up-to-date to protect against malicious software.
  • Use complex and different passwords on the various websites you visit and shop, and intermittently change passwords on the devices you use.
  • Use a secured home network, not a public or shared network, when shopping online, checking your bank statements or paying your bills.
  • Beware of any email asking for personal information as fraudsters will often send “phishing” emails to try to steal your personal information or install malicious software on your computer.
  • Don’t click on links or reply to text messages if you don’t know or trust the source.

If you believe you have been the victim of online fraud or identity theft, contact: