Avoid online scams this Cyber Monday to finish your holiday shopping fraud-free

Consumers will want to keep track of which card they are using for their online shopping, Faulkner said. Monitoring just one credit card’s purchases can be easier on consumers during the high-volume holiday shopping period.

For those who are not eligible for a credit card, Breyault still recommends using a debit card. But it is not without its risks.

Because a debit card links directly to your checking account, Breyault said, fraudsters could take money directly from your account. When you dispute a transaction, the bank will often place those funds on hold, whereas a credit card company typically returns the funds to the customer pending the investigation.

Consumers should ask their financial institutions about the fraud protections offered for their debit card, Faulkner said.

It’s also beneficial to practice good online hygiene, she said. Using strong passwords and setting up account alerts allows consumers to take action quickly to protect their accounts.

“I think working with your financial adviser first and foremost about setting a budget to make sure you stay within your budget constraint,” she said, “so that you don’t create more of that impulse of buying … is really important.”