Black Friday customers shop at Macy’s in Grand Chute, Wis. (Associated Press)

With the holiday season in full swing, it is easy to get carried away with online shopping. Customer reviews are at your fingertips, there are no lines to wait in and no customers to fight.

However, since the amount of online shoppers goes up this time of year, so does the amount of online hackers.

Here is how you can shop safely and avoid online scams.

First, always make sure that the URL matches the website you are on. Scammers love to make websites that look and act like real ones, designed only to steal your information.

To be sure, make sure the logo matches the website name and there is a lock near the address bar, which tells you that the website is secure.

Next, when you are sure the website is trustworthy, and you have decided to buy something, you will probably be asked to make an account with the website.

This helps because it quickens the process if you choose to buy again from the same website in the future, but you should create a different password for each account that you make.

If someone were to get access to the account, he or she would be able to see your personal information.

However, keeping this password different from all your other accounts limits their access to just that one account.

Also, the website will ask you to store information about your credit card to quicken the process even more the next time you buy something.

This is dangerous because if someone is able to hack into your account, they will have direct access to your funds.

When shopping online, always use a credit card instead of a debit card or checks because it is actually the safest way to shop online.

According to credit card contracts, if someone steals and uses your account information, you will only be held accountablefor $50, and even sometimes $0, of what the thief spent.

However, many times this is only the case if you report the incident within two days of the transaction, so you must track your account carefully to make sure each charge is one that you made.

Next, take a screen shot after you place your order so you have all the information necessary to show proof of purchase, incase your order is somehow mishandled.

Finally, never use a public computer or even be on a public network when buying something online. Although this may be obvious, this is still one of the most prevalent ways hackers get your information.

They use key loggers to track each button you press, so they will have access to anything you did online while they were watching.

With these guidelines, you will be ready for a safe, hacker-free shopping spree for the holidays from the comfort of your own home.

Happy shopping!