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The holiday season has arrived! While some stores are already promoting their Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, the biggest sales are just getting started. Whether you are shopping online or in stores this holiday season, there is a risk of fraud to be aware of. Keep the fraudsters from spoiling your holiday joy and protect your personal and financial information with these holiday shopping safety tips.
Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips
Online shopping offers convenience, but it also comes with risks. Use these online holiday shopping safety tips to protect yourself from scams and data theft.
Watch for “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t let the lure of great discounts fool you. If you are unfamiliar with a site, check the reviews and do some research before making a purchase. We recommend typing the store’s web address directly into your browser instead of clicking on a link provided to you in an email or included in an advertisement. Scammers will create realistic advertisements designed to draw you into elaborate phishing schemes and steal your personal and financial information.
Verify Website Security Before Paying
Before entering your card information to make a purchase (on any site), make sure your information is being encrypted. Reputable merchants use encryption to transmit information from your browser to their servers. Look for “https” at the beginning of a web address (URL) to confirm the site is secure before making a payment.
In-Store Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
While online threats are common, in-person shoppers should still take precautions. These holiday shopping security tips can help protect your debit and credit cards while you're out and about in the holiday hustle.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Even with the best precautions, monitoring your finances is the most effective way to catch fraud early.
- Set up card controls and alerts to manage your card usage and notifications.
- Monitor your accounts in Exchange OnLine or the mobile app, and review your bank and credit card statements regularly.
- Notify your bank immediately if you notice any unauthorized activity.
The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, not stress and worry. By staying vigilant and following these holiday shopping safety tips, you can protect yourself from fraud and shop with confidence. Wishing you a safe and secure holiday, and happy shopping!
FAQ’s About Holiday Shopping Safety
What are tips for holiday cyber security?
Always keep your devices - like your laptop and smartphone - secure and within sight. Avoid using shared or public computers for sensitive activities such as online banking, online shopping or checking email. These systems may lack up-to-date security software, putting your personal and financial information at risk.
What are common holiday shopping scams to watch out for?
Be on the look-out for fake websites, phishing emails claiming to be from delivery companies or retailers and social media ads promoting unrealistic discounts. Always verify the source before clicking links or entering payment details.
Can scammers target me through fake shipping or delivery notices?
Scammers often send fake delivery notifications or “package tracking” emails during the holidays. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and visit the carrier’s official website directly to track your shipment.
Is it safe to store my card information on retail websites or apps?
It’s best to avoid saving card information online. If you do, make sure the retailer uses strong encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
