Millions of people are victim to credit card theft every year across the United States. Whether you’re booking a hotel or ordering a pair of shoes, follow these simple rules to keep your credit card information safe.

Do not shop on public Wi-Fi.

If you’re connected to the Wi-Fi network at a coffee shop, hotel, library, university, or any other public place, you are at risk. Public networks make it easy for hackers to access your information, see what you’re doing and log your keystrokes. More than half of credit card fraud is caused by “malicious outsiders”. It’s okay to browse a website– but avoid logging into your account and definitely don’t type in your credit card number. If you frequently use public networks and can’t avoid making purchases, download an antivirus app for an added layer of protection. Bitdefender Antivirus and Kaspersky Security come highly recommended.

Do not store your information online.

Websites and apps want to keep your credit card information for “your convenience” and are constantly prompting you to save the credentials. Don’t do it! If your devices are lost and another person gains access, it can be easy for them to make purchases in your name. Furthermore, websites and shopping apps are not immune to data breaches.

Secure your connection.

Your home internet connection is probably less secure than you think. Taking a few extra measures to increase your protection can go a long way to avoid hackers. For starters, wired connections are more secure than wireless, so it’s best to have your computer plugged directly into the Ethernet cable. Furthermore, always keep your internet browser and computer software updated to the most recent version. Usually these updates are security patches. Another option is to browse through a virtual private network (VPN), which enhances the security of your connection..

Use a prepaid debit card.

The best way to protect yourself when online shopping is by using a prepaid debit card. A prepaid card is not linked to your name or your bank account. When you’re going to make a purchase, transfer the anticipated amount of money to the card in advance. By using the prepaid card only when necessary, you’re unlikely to lose much money if the card is ever lost or compromised. These cards generally have little to no fees and are widely accepted in stores and online. They can be obtained from most banks or supermarkets where gift cards are sold. PayPal and Western Union also have prepaid card options.

A few extra tips for online security…

• Change your passwords often and use two-step authentication whenever possible.
• If a package never arrives and the seller cannot produce proof of shipment, cancel your credit card and file a fraud report.
• Be very careful of email phishing scams and “make money online” advertisements.
• Always use a passcode on your cell phone and a login password for your computer.
• Thoroughly check your credit card and bank statements for any transactions you don’t recognize.