1- Forgetting to Sign Out

Whether it is on their computer, laptop or phone, consumers should always remember to sign out of their accounts every time they finish using them. Leaving an account open is dangerous because anyone who walks past your screen can see your name, passwords and security information.

2- Using An Insecure Wi-Fi Hotspot

Hotspots found in coffee shops, restaurants and libraries can be very dangerous. If you are sitting at a free internet hotspot, someone may be able to see everything that is happening on your computer if they have the right tools. Many of these tools will not only allow people to see what you are doing online, but also give them access to your personal information.

3- Clicking On Links Without Knowing Who Sent Them

Websites frequently send out email or social media messages asking users to click on certain links for promotional purposes or contests. While it's great that companies want their customers to spread the word about their products, not every link is safe. Before clicking anything, make sure that the website sending it out is secure and that you know who sent it to you.

4- Not Using A Password Manager

When creating passwords, users should try to avoid using the same password for multiple sites and services. This is beneficial because if anyone was able to get a hold of one of your passwords, they would only have access to that site or service. Having different passwords for every account makes life much more difficult for hackers. Keeping all these in mind will help consumers ensure their information is safe while online shopping. Make sure that when signing up for accounts, you are using secure websites with strong security protocols in place (look for HTTPS instead of HTTP). These protocols make it far less likely that any personal information will be compromised in the event of an attack on the website or its servers.

5- Not Understanding The Return Policy

Before making any purchases online, it is important that the consumer fully understands the return policy of the retailer. This way, if something goes wrong with the product after purchase, they will know what to do and how to go about getting their money back. Many stores have different policies for items purchased online versus items purchased in store so make sure you read carefully before making your purchase!