This holiday season, safeguard yourself and your family from scammers and save your hard-earned money for what truly matters. These strategies for device security and best practices for online shopping will help protect your finances so you can enjoy the holiday season.
1. Shop reputable retailers and be wary of deals
Watch out for doorbuster deals listed on sites that aren’t affiliated with a known brand or company. Cybercriminals may use online marketplaces to post false listings and trick shoppers into giving up financial information. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It is always a good idea to double check for signs that you are on a reputable, safe site:
Make sure the URL starts with HTTPS
Look for a trust seal (or lock symbol) next the URL with the words "secure" or "verified”
If the site doesn’t have these, click to close and find another retailer. You could also download your favorite retailers' verified apps from Google Play® or the Apple App Store®. They're much less likely to be compromised.
Read more: Keep your holiday spending on track with Ally Bank spending buckets.
2. Avoid gift card gimmicks
Gift card scams are especially common during the holiday season. Typically, criminals will start with an urgent phone call or email that pressures you to buy gift cards. Scammers may impersonate family members, government officials or coworkers claiming that immediate action is required. They might also send you a fake check, asking you to cash it and send the difference in gift cards. Once you provide the card numbers and PINs, the fraudsters can access the funds even if you still have the physical card. To protect yourself, always verify the identity of anyone requesting urgent action or personal information.
3. Spot scam stamps
If you find deals online for discounted holiday stamps, proceed with caution: fraudulent stamps can result in the destruction or non-delivery of mail, causing the loss of valuable or sentimental items. Always purchase stamps directly from USPS or your local post office.
4. Stay aware on social
With the growing popularity of social platforms like TikTok, scammers have found new ways to exploit users. Common scams include:
Phishing attempts, where fraudsters create fake login pages or send deceptive messages to steal personal information
Fake contests and giveaways, where scammers entice users with non-existent prizes to collect personal details or fees
Impersonation scams, with cyber criminals pretending to be celebrities or popular users to promote fake offers or solicit money
Additionally, scammers may promote substandard products, tricking users into making fraudulent purchases. To safeguard against these cons, verify the legitimacy of offers and accounts, remain cautious of unsolicited messages and report suspicious activity to the social platform’s moderation team.
To protect yourself, always verify the identity of anyone requesting urgent action or personal information.
5. Keep your defenses up
Maintaining strong cybersecurity practices is essential for protecting sensitive information. Regularly update your passwords and use two-factor authentication to significantly lower the risk of cyber threats. When shopping online, it’s important to know who you’re buying from — or selling to. Research businesses and read reviews to verify the legitimacy of vendors and buyers to help you avoid scams and ensure you’re dealing with trustworthy parties. Tip: Monitoring the shipping process is also crucial. Keep track of your purchases and deliveries to help prevent issues like lost or delayed items and ensure that you receive exactly what you ordered. (And avoid fake missed delivery scams, too.)
6. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Avoid making financial transactions over public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often less secure. Use your mobile data plan instead and be aware of "shoulder surfers" who might observe you typing personal information like passwords or PINs.
7. Use secure payment methods
Opt for credit cards with fraud protection or trusted mobile payment options like Zelle® or PayPal®. Even if the payment method is secure, verify details carefully and ensure the platform has policies that protect victims of cybercrimes.
8. Update your software
Ensure your security software, internet browser and operating system are up to date to protect your device from hackers. Regular software updates help close vulnerabilities and strengthen your device’s defenses.
Keep your holiday season secure
As you shop this season, have security top of mind to prevent any holiday headaches. Protect yourself from breaches and common scams to ensure your festive celebrations remain joyful and carefree.
