June is National Internet Safety Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on safe online shopping habits. As more people shop online for summer travel, events, and seasonal sales, scammers are creating fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent ads designed to steal your money and personal information.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself while shopping online:
- Shop with trusted retailers. Be cautious of unfamiliar websites offering prices that seem too good to be true.
- Check website security. Look for “https” in the web address before entering payment information.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links. Fraudsters often use fake ads or emails to direct shoppers to scam websites.
- Use secure payment methods. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.
If something feels suspicious, take a moment to verify before making a purchase. At Bank of Bozeman, we’re committed to helping keep your information and finances safe online.