While the Internet may help consumers shop faster and easier, it can also pose dangerous potential for consumers who are not careful. In fact, one in ten online adults (10%) say they have been a victim of online fraud. However, consumers can protect themselves from cyber criminals by using the right security technology and common sense.

In addition to securing their computers, consumers need to ensure that they are dealing with reputable merchants. Knowing who you are dealing with and providing your financial information securely are very important when you are shopping online, said Susan Grant, Director of NCLs National Fraud Information Center.

To help consumers protect themselves while shopping online, the NCL and NCSA offer new advice to ensure shopping online is a happy experience.

• Do not shop online while using an unencrypted or open wireless network. Hackers and thieves can use your open/unencrypted or a stores wireless network to break into your computer and capture your financial information.
• Secure your computer before shopping online. Before connecting to the Internet or shopping online, take the following three core protections: 1) Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and keep them up to date; 2) Install a firewall; 3) Regularly update operating software.
• Know who you are dealing with. Before shopping online with an unknown e-store, check out the seller and be sure to get the name and physical address of the seller in case something goes wrong. If you are buying gifts on an online auction site, check the track record of the seller before you bid.
• Do not give away your financial information to unsecured websites. Make sure when providing payment information, the beginning of the Web site URL address changes from http to https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured.
• Protect personal information with common sense and technology. Be suspicious if someone unexpectedly asks for personal information. Identity thieves send out bogus emails about problems with consumers accounts to lure them into divulging personal information. Consider using multi-factor authentication services when offered by online retailers as a way to secure your information.

Go to www.fraud.org and www.staysafeonline.org to find out more about how to safely shop online.