 TITLE: How to Stop Impulse Spending Online CONTENT: Stay Safe When You Shop\n-----------------------\nAside from the budget-busting and emotional issues you could be facing, anytime you give out your card information online, you're putting your finances and identity at risk. According to the Federal Trade Commission, social media sites and search engines do not effectively filter out fraudsters and counterfeiters, recently resulting in a record number of complaints to the agency about fraud originating from social media.\nBefore you buy, especially if it's from an online ad for a website you haven't heard of, research the website and look them up with the Better Business Bureau. Keep in mind that shopping online comes with other risks, such as identity thieves capturing your credit card information if you shop on a public Wi-Fi network. Brush up on tips for protecting your identity when shopping online, and consider monitoring your credit to ensure you're aware of any unauthorized activity quickly. END