Occurring this year on November 28, 2016, Cyber Monday is arguably the biggest online shopping event of the year.

It’s great to not have to leave the activities of the senior living community or fight the crowds to get the great discounts. Instead, we have the pleasure of shopping from the comfort of our own cozy abode.

That said, if you’re a little worried about buying online and are concerned about any potential pitfalls of shopping for great online deals the Monday after Thanksgiving, read on for help.

Tips For Secure Online Shopping – On Cyber Monday And Beyond

• First things first, protect your computer. Before you even think about putting your personal and financial details online, make certain that your computer is secure and that you’ve installed the most recent updates for your antivirus, anti-spyware, and spam filters, as well as making sure you have a secure firewall.
• Make sure you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network. Ensure you’re connected to the right network before you start shopping, and don’t make financial transactions on public Wi-Fi, as you risk placing your information into the wrong hands.
• Ensure your personal information is also protected. You can do this by taking a look at the privacy policy of any site you’re considering buying from. If you can’t see a privacy policy, this means something is amiss and that your personal information could be potentially sold without your permission.
• Check that the website URL address is secure. When you’re going through checkout, look for https (not just http) at the beginning of the web address, and also ensure you can see a green padlock icon in your address bar.
• Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. While great deals can be had on Cyber Monday, if something seems like a ridiculously incredible bargain, it might not be legitimate, so use caution.
• Keep a lookout for phishing emails. A phishing email will be one that claims there are issues with an order and will ask that you reply with your confidential financial information. Never reply to an email like this, or your computer may get a virus—or worse, your bank account may be drained.
• Shop with friends or family. If you’re not used to it, online shopping can be a little confusing. With this in mind, why not try asking an internet-savvy friend to sit with you and show you the ropes.
• Follow your budget. It can be tempting to overspend on great deals with a simple click of a computer mouse. But keep your budget for Cyber Monday spending in the forefront, and update it based on how much you’ve spent on each transaction. Doing so will prevent you from accidentally spending more than your budget allows.

Bagging a bargain on Cyber Monday should be a wonderful experience. By following the tips above, you can ensure that you will purchase your goods safely and that you keep all your information private. Happy shopping!