6 tips to ensure you don't get hacked while holiday shopping

Nothing will kill the holiday vibe faster than having your accounts or personal data hacked. Unfortunately, the possibility is real. Last year, thieves stole $16 billion from U.S. consumers, according to Javelin Strategy & Research.

Students are particularly vulnerable. They are less likely to be vigilant but more likely to feel the negative effects. Overdraft and late payment fees can wreak havoc on an account funded by work-study hours.

But protecting your funds and info is not a complicated process. Stay alert, use the tools available, move quickly when needed and you’ll be fine. Here are a few ideas you might want to consider to get started:

• Only make online purchases from your own phone or computer. Don’t use your work laptop or your buddy’s tablet to knock out your online shopping. Keep your data under your personal control.
• When shopping on the ‘net, make sure you see a lock icon at the top left of the address bar. It means the page is secure, i.e. legit.
• Sign up for alerts from your credit card company. You’ll get a text or e-mail very time a big purchase or unusual activity is detected.
• Review your statements weekly November through January. Double check that every purchase is one made by you versus some Scrooge.
• Share your travel plans with your card companies. That way they’ll know whether an imposter or you bought bottle service in Vegas New Year’s Eve.
• Consider buying gifts and booking travel plans with mobile wallet tools or smart-chip cards. They are the No. 1 and No. 2 most secure forms of payment.