 TITLE: Last-Minute Online Shopping Tips for the Holidays CONTENT: Shop Smart\n----------\nWhen you're shopping in a rush, you might be tempted to save time by skipping basic safety measures. Here are some important ways to keep your purchases and your sensitive information safe during the holidays:\n*   **Bring packages inside.** Check your porch for packages and avoid theft by bringing boxes in right away. Go a step further by providing instructions with your purchase or posting helpful signs for delivery workers, letting them know where to safely leave your package. You can also sign up for tracking alerts so you know what date and time to expect your delivery. Informed Delivery, a service provided by the U.S. Postal Service, can help you with that.\n*   **Practice online security.** Avoid clicking on suspicious-looking emails that promise big discounts, or shopping through unsecure websites. Protect your identity online by using a unique password for each website. If you have a credit card with extra safety features or protections, consider using that card for all of your purchases.\n*   **Review your credit card and bank statements.** Be on the lookout for fraudulent account activity, like a purchase you didn't make. If you find something unusual on your statement, make sure to let your bank or credit card company know about it right away.\n*   **Monitor your credit report.** If someone has gotten ahold of your personal information, you'll want to know right away. Monitoring your Experian credit file is free and it will help you catch applications for new credit and accounts that have been fraudulently opened in your name. END