Online holiday shoppers can take a few precautions this holiday season to avoid scams and identity theft.

Experts at Austin-based CSIDentity said online shoppers should make sure Web site URLs are safe and secure.

URLs of secure pages begin with "http" and the Web site page contains a secure padlock symbol in the lower right hand corner of the page.

Purchase items with a low-limit credit card rather than a debit card.

Never give unnecessary information, such as social security numbers or passwords when shopping online.

Never email payment info, as e-mails are easily intercepted.

Finally, monitor bank and credit card accounts often to make sure that payments are correct and that there no misuse of private information has taken place.

Using just one credit card for all your shopping makes it easier to keep track of your statements.