Ramnath Chellappa and Benn Konsynski, both experts in information systems at Emory’s Goizueta Business School, discuss the best ways to make sure you’re not a victim of fraud during this holiday shopping season.

1. Don’t use a debit card

    “Debit cards are connected to your own bank accounts. You’re better off using a credit card because a credit cards have a different liability associated with them, and more often than not it’s the credit card-issuing bank that’s liable if there’s a fraudulent transaction,” says Chellappa.

2. Don’t let your card leave your sight

    “Your card is your first line of defense and also your first point of exposure to possible theft,” says Konsynski.

3. Make sure websites start with “https” or have a lock in the address bar

    “The lock sign or “https” means that your information is secured by encryption when it is being transmitted to the retailer,” says Chellappa.

4. Consider using an alternative payment method: PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Wallet

    “It puts a trusted party in the middle that governs the transaction, both on identifying the buyer and identifying the seller. The transaction works in seconds and no credit card information is transferred in that process,” says Konsynski.

5. Use a virtual credit card number

    “Many banks issue virtual credit card numbers that are, basically, not your own but are somehow tied into your actual credit card. They expire after one use,” says Chellappa.