1. Make a list and set a budget. Create a list of the people you plan to buy for, the type of gifts and how much you plan to spend. Mobile shoppers make more than one-third of their purchase decisions spontaneously, so getting organized before you start shopping will help you avoid spending hours surfing aimlessly and keep you from overspending.

2. Shop around. A “sale” price isn’t always the best price. Some merchants may offer items at a discount every day. Mobile devices offer some of the best comparison shopping tools to help you find the best prices. RedLaser is a great bar code scanning app that can help you find the best deal in store or online.

3. Stay indoors. Couch commerce is expected to be big again this year with a spike in the number of people shopping via mobile on Thanksgiving Day. Why take the time to go out when you have all the tools to make your purchases from the comfort of your own couch?

4. Check return policies and shipping costs. Make sure you know a merchant's return policy before you buy; many prohibit returns and only allow exchanges. Some retailers also change their return policies during the holiday shopping season. If you want to avoid return shipping costs, PayPal is offering free shipping on all returns from November 1 through December 31 (subject to retailers’ policies).

5. Buy securely. For those worried about paying with debit or credit cards, mobile shopping can be daunting. Check for stores which allow you to use secure methods of payment so you don’t have to share personal information and you can stay protected from I.D. theft while shopping via mobile. 

6. Lock and password protect your phone. It’s the most important thing you can do to ensure security on your mobile device. Use a PIN/password on your device and set it to time-out so it locks automatically. Set your maximum number of incorrect password submissions to no more than three. If your phone is lost or stolen, thieves won’t be able to access personal information and accounts. Also ensure your credit card and account login information isn’t stored in emails or notes on the phone.

7. Look for the “s.” If you use a site where you need to enter credit card, bank or personal information, check the URL. If the address reads https instead of http, it’s secure. Also, look for the lock. The small lock icon at the bottom of the page is a security indicator.

8. Beware of smishing. It starts with a simple SMS (text) message from a sender trying to bait you to divulge your personal information. The “hook” to capture your personal information is in a URL you link to, or a phone number which prompts you for your Social Security number, credit card number, PIN or other personal information. Some examples of smishing messages are: "We’re confirming you've signed up for our dating service. You will be charged $2/day unless you cancel your order on this URL"; or, "(Name of online bank) is confirming that you have purchase a $1,500 computer from (name of company). Visit (website) if you did not make this online purchase." Never click on such links or call a number if you suspect you’ve received a smishing text. Instead, call the number you have on file for your financial institution. 

9. APP-ply common sense. When choosing apps to download, get them from well-known, reliable companies or do your research (check reviews) before downloading an app from an unknown source. Use the most up-to-date version of an app. Unknown or repackaged apps can be armed with malware able to steal details from a user’s phone.

10. Install updates ASAP. When you receive an upgrade notification on your mobile device, whether for an operating system update or an updates app, install it immediately. With every upgrade, providers are closing security gaps that could make your device more vulnerable.

11. Check your e-statements. Go online regularly and look at electronic statements for your credit card, debit card and checking and PayPal accounts. Make sure you don't see any fraudulent charges. If you do see something wrong, address the matter quickly. In the case of credit cards, don't pay the bill until you know all your charges are accurate.

Claudia Lombana (pictured above) is the shopping specialist for PayPal.