(NC)-E-mails are an environmentally friendly and efficient way for organizations to keep in touch with their customers. However, it is important to remember these types of e-mails are usually one-way, and legitimate organizations will never ask you to verify your personal information. Stay safe and follow MasterCard Canada's tips to keep your online information secure.

. Watch for spoof e-mails disguised to be something they're not. Scammers can create authentic looking e-mails asking you to verify your credit card numbers, user names and passwords.

. Never click on the hyperlinks provided in the e-mail. The link you are clicking on may not direct you to the actual site, but to a spoofed site.

. By replying to the e-mail, you're letting someone know that your account is active. E-mail addresses can be faked. Even if the domain name looks real, your reply may actually be going somewhere you don't want it to.

. Spoof e-mails often contain incorrect spelling.

. More often than not, these e-mails will not be personalized, since online scammers will not have your name.

. If you're convinced the e-mail is real, and need to click on the hyperlink, copy and paste the URL into the Web browser's address field. The address from the hyperlink will reveal itself in the address field. This will help you land on legitimate web sites instead of spoofed ones.

. If you see spot a spoof, report it.

Despite our best efforts to stay safe in our online shopping trips, information like financial information can sometimes become compromised. If this happens to you, don't panic. Visit www.mastercard.ca for a list of steps cardholders should take, such as:

. Reporting your concerns immediately to the proper authorities, including the police.

. If your banking or credit card information has become compromised, contact your financial institution or credit card issuer immediately.

. In Canada, MasterCard cardholders are protected by MasterCard's Zero Liability policy; if someone makes an unauthorized purchase using your MasterCard card number, you will not be responsible for that purchase. For more information on Zero Liability please visit www.mastercard.ca/zeroliability.

. Contact the two national credit bureaus, Equifax and/or TransUnion. They will place a "Fraud Alert" on your file.

. Check your financial statements carefully in the following months to make sure the problem has been completely resolved.

- News Canada