Cyber Shopping 101

Happy Friday!

Hope you all are staying warm; Texas is getting a taste of northern winter weather.

So, lets go ahead and get straight to the point. Are you ready for Christmas? Most times that question also means, have you finished your shopping? For the most part, I’m just about done. I’d like to hear from you now, (cue to comment here)

One popular option to finishing your shopping list, is to do it online. I, for one, love online shopping. You don’t have to mess with the crowds, traffic, or them not having what you need. There are tons of pros to cyber shopping, as well as a few cons, how ever minor they may be.

You miss the human interaction and seeing the decorations stores have up. A big concern I always have, is hoping that my purchases arrive on time and are not damaged. At least if you buy it in the store, you have it right then and there and don’t have to wait.

There are always two sides to every coin.

So, cyber shopping:

1. It’s so important to be extra careful with what information you let out in the internet, especially around the holidays. Identity theft is all too real and dangerous.
2. Always be sure to record all purchases in your checkbook. If you do a lot of intense spending, it’s easy to lose track.
3. Be particular of the sites you shop at. By that I mean, it’s best to use familiar sites rather than unknown ones that may just be scams.
4. Perhaps mark on your calendar the expected dates for delivery so you can be on the lookout for your packages.
5. Be sure to always log off (no pun intended) CLICK HERE FOR EXPLAINATION or sign out of any sites, especially when using a public computer.
6. Keep your banking and personal information close. It’s not safe to leave that info out in the open at your computer.
7. And lastly….. remember that you’re not shopping just to get something in return or because you feel you have to buy for this person. The gift should come from the heart. It should be something you know they will love or that they truly need.

Christ was God’s gift to us. I can think of no better gift to share, than the gift of salvation.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

Booksbyvirginia.wordpress.com

Internet Safety 101

When using the Internet, common sense should always be at the forefront. Consider this a refresher course for the seasoned Web surfers and a beginner course for those who are new to the World Wide Web (www)

1) You don’t really know anyone online. It’s always important to keep this in mind. No matter how long you may be ‘following’ an account online, you still do not know them. This being said, be wary of who you communicate with. I, for instance am a total stranger to you all. And on the same note, I am writing to total strangers. You never know who is on the other side of the screen.

2) Information. This can not be stressed enough. Keeping in mind the previous point, do not give a total stranger private information. Such as: full names, social security numbers, bank accounts, addresses, phone numbers, etc. Even your birthday date may be pushing it, seeing as identify theft is very real and dangerous. It does not matter if a person on here has an equally large and detailed replica of Middle Earth as you do; do not exchange address so you can go and compare replicas.

3) Appropriate sites. Anything in life can be used for good or evil. The Internet especially.  Always be careful at what sites you go to. If a url sounds questionable, such as ww.seemysecretfreckle.com you may not want to click the link. As always, use common sense.

4) Posting and pictures. It’s best not to give out photos of yourself, especially if someone asks for one of you. Also remember this rule of thumb. Don’t write down something that you don’t want the world to see. Watch the language, the rude comments and inappropriate content. Your past can haunt you.

Pop quiz!

Test your common sense… which of the following are most likely untrustworthy and unsafe?

Hi, I saw your profile and noticed we have a lot in common, Maybe we should hang out sometime??

Visit my Website, ww.freestuff.com Just sign up with your social security number and start receiving completely free stuff, for free!!

Hello, this is a notification from folly bank to inform you that you have been selected as the winner of  $100,000,000,000,000! To claim your award, click the link below and fill in your bank account information so we can verify who you are. A small fee may be applied to you account.

If you said all of them were to be questioned, give yourself a pat on the back and accept this free virtual brownie. 

But seriously, all joking aside, please use common sense when on the internet.