Consumers are turning to online shopping this holiday season

What of you don't want to put up with crowded malls to do your holiday shopping? Online shopping may be for you. <br><br>News on Six reporter Rick Wells says an increasing number of people are preferring

Tuesday, December 3rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

What of you don't want to put up with crowded malls to do your holiday shopping? Online shopping may be for you.

News on Six reporter Rick Wells says an increasing number of people are preferring to point and click shop this Christmas. Internet experts expect e-tailing to increase by as much as 27% by the years end.

But because your not buying something in a store the Rick Brinkley with the Tulsa Better Business Bureau says you have to work extra hard to protect yourself. "Make sure you've got a physical address and phone number. Not an 800 number not a PO box. Make sure you do your research before you make purchases from a company you do not know."

Here is some additional advice. Make sure the site is secure by checking for a padlock at the bottom of the screen. Also, always use a credit card to make a purchase, not a debit card because you don't want anyone to have access to take the money out of your account.

Plus, always make sure your purchase is in stock so you can get it by Christmas.