This year, a record 85 percent of U.S. consumers are expected to shop online for holiday gifts with Cyber-Monday being the largest day for sales this holiday season. 

There are a few precautions you can take to keep from becoming a victim of identity theft or other internet scams.

1. Shop at websites you trust. Play it safe and buy from online businesses with retailers you trust and have shopped with before.

2. Check out the business before making the purchase. If you do make a purchase from an unfamiliar company, check customer’s reviews. Does the company have a history of scam reports or consumer complaints? Does the company have a physical address that can be verified?

3. Beware of rock-bottom prices.  If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.  Do research before making the purchase.

4. Never purchase items over public Wi-Fi.

5. Check out the website security by making sure the URL starts with ‘https.”

6. Pay with a credit card instead of a debit card. Why? If someone racks up unauthorized charges on your credit card, federal regulations say you won’t have to pay while the card company investigates.  In addition, most major credit cards offer $0 liability for fraudulent purchases. If you pay with a debit card, the money comes directly out of your account with limited to no options to have your money refunded.