Remember when “shop to you drop” was the slogan for serious shoppers, especially during the Christmas season? Holiday shopping warriors would gird their loins and face the crowds to battle for bargains and that perfect gift. You were on guard for suspicious characters who may pick your pocket or steal your stuff. But now we have online shopping where we can find deals from the safety of our homes.
Unfortunately, crooks have up their tech game and moved from malls to the web.
Cybercrime is rising, and it’s costing consumers billions. According to the FBI, Americans lost a staggering $12.5 billion to online scams in 2023—a 22% increase from the year before. Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick people out of their money. From fake ads on social media to phishing emails and even fraudulent payment texts, it’s clear that protecting yourself online has never been more important.
While you’re busy adding items to your online cart, scammers are plotting ways to take advantage of the holiday shopping rush. Don’t worry; with a few precautions, you can shop safely, avoid the chaos of fraud, and keep the season festive. Here’s how to protect yourself while shopping online.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are a favorite tactic during the holidays. Scammers send fake emails or messages pretending to be from trusted retailers, offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals or claiming there’s an issue with your account. Watch out for emails with urgent language or suspicious links—always double-check the sender’s address and hover over links to see where they redirect. Instead of clicking on links, go directly to the retailer’s official website to verify any claims.
Bonus tip: Beware of fake gift card offers and prize notifications. If someone promises a free $500 gift card just for clicking a link, it’s almost always a trap.
Stick to Reputable Websites
Avoid unfamiliar sites that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. Stick to well-known retailers or trusted marketplaces like Amazon or Walmart. If you venture onto a new site, verify its legitimacy by checking for customer reviews, a physical address, and working contact information.
What to Check For:
- Look for “https://” in the URL (the “s” means it’s secure).
- Spotting red flags, such as poorly written product descriptions or demands for unusual payment methods, can help you avoid potential scams.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Shopping online while sipping cocoa at your favorite café? Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but come with security risks. These networks can make it easier for hackers to intercept your information.
How to Stay Safe:
- When connected to public Wi-Fi, avoid entering sensitive information (like credit card details).
- If you absolutely must shop on public networks, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure browsing.
Prioritize Secure Payment Methods
Avoid using debit cards for online transactions. Instead, use secure payment methods like credit cards or services like PayPal. Credit cards often have better fraud protection, limiting your liability in case of unauthorized transactions.
Pro Tip: Some banks allow you to use virtual credit cards, which create a temporary card number for safer transactions.
Avoid Oversharing Online
Some online shops might ask for more personal information than necessary. Be wary of sites asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive details—they’re likely probing to collect information for identity theft.
Rule of Thumb: Only provide the bare minimum required to make your purchase.
These hacks put you in control of your online shopping this holiday season, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—spreading holiday cheer and finding gifts your loved ones will adore.
If you follow these simple steps, you’ll be sipping your eggnog stress-free, knowing you’ve secured great gifts and your personal and financial information.
If you have questions about online security or safety, please Contact Us. Or contact us at TecAdvocates.
Happy (and safe) shopping!
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