7 Compulsive Shopping Traps We Fall Into - http://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-compulsive-shopping-traps-we-fall-into.html via @YahooFinance

Safe Shopping Online Video
http://youtu.be/KkEzuDQvUh4

Tips For Searching Safely

   We all use search engines to find what we are looking for online. But search engines often collect information about us. Here are some ways you can minimize the data collected about you.

    1)  Don't login to your search engine's related tools. Some search engines may require you to create a user account and login for  more personalized searching. They may be gathering from you to provide to their advertising partners.
    2)  Don't put personal identifiable information into searches.
Also with mapping sites, don't enter your complete street address when getting driving instructions.
   3)  Don't use your ISP's search engine. Some Internet Search Providers have their own search engines that can allow them to capture you searches.
   4)  Use web proxies (firewalls) and anonymizing software. This helps protect form those who would search and track you online.
   5)  Block cookies from your search engines.

Retail companies Spy On You How Companies Learn Your Secrets
http://t.co/9TFMaOUO

Protect Yourself

The holiday season provides many extra opportunities identity theives. Scammers and theives are always creating new schemes to trick shoppers into giving personal information.  The following tips can help keep you safe and secure online.

           * Use A Credit Card.  If your credit card information ends up in the hands of ID theives, the Fair Credit Billing Act allows you to dispute the charges

           * Shop On A Secured Site   Always check the address box for the "s" in https:// and in the lower-right corner for the "lock" symbol before paying.

            * Also Internet Explorer users can right-click anywhee on the page to select "Properties". This will show you the real URL(web site address) the dialog box will reveal if the site is encrypted


                                            Shopping Online In Public

  I keep hearing stories about people's having their computers hacked while their in a public place. Some had their bank accounts and credit cards wiped out in a matter of hours.
  Here are some things to remember when online.

If your using a Wi-Fi  hotspot while shopping:
            
            * Check if the site your using is encrypted with SSL
            *Use a vitual private network.
             * Always have your antivirus and firewal enabled.