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Canadians are some of the highest users of debit per capita when compared to citizens of other countries around the world.

As more Canadians turn to the Internet to do their shopping, Interac Association reminds consumers how to protect themselves while shopping online.

1. Keep your card data secure. The benefit of using Interac Online, is that your personal financial information remains secure because the payment service is integrated with online banking. When you're ready to checkout, you are re-directed to your financial institution's trusted online banking website to make the payment from your existing bank account.

2. Look for signs of security. Key clues, such as a padlock image at the bottom of your browser and a URL that begins with https:// ensures the website is secure.

3. Install and update anti-virus software. Anti-virus software continuously protects your PC against viruses, spyware and other malicious programs. Once installed, update your software regularly.

4. Check sellers out. Do a background check on a merchant that you have never done business with, for example, search for a physical address, or call and talk to a company representative.

5. Use unique passwords. Create unique passwords incorporating symbols and numbers to increase your security against hackers and others trying to access online accounts, and keep passwords private.

6. Keep record of transaction. Print off and keep a confirmation of your transaction for your records, in case there are any discrepancies and you need to track the purchase.

7. Notify your financial institution of suspicious inquiries. Interac Association and financial institutions do not ask customers to provide or update personal records via email or phone. Do not provide personal financial information via email or phone to anyone claiming to be your bank. www.newscanada.com