14 Nov Decorative deal or holiday hoax? 7 shopping safety tips
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration and shopping. With online deals flooding our inboxes and social media feeds, it’s easier than ever to get caught up in the excitement. However, cybercriminals are waiting to take advantage of the shopping rush. To help avoid scams and shop safely this season, follow these seven shopping safety tips.
1. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Phishing emails and texts are often disguised as order confirmations, shipping updates, or exclusive holiday discounts. They may contain fake links that steal personal information or install malicious software on your device.
Instead of clicking a link, visit the retailer’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser. If you’re unsure about the message, look for telltale signs of phishing, such as spelling mistakes or odd sender addresses.
2. Be Careful on Buy and Sell Sites
Buy-and-sell sites can be a great way to score deals, but they’re also a common place for fraud. If a seller insists on shipping the product instead of meeting in person, offers a meager price, or asks for payment through suspicious platforms, it could be a scam.
Stick to local, in-person transactions whenever possible. If you meet someone for an exchange, pick a public place, preferably with surveillance cameras.
3. Avoid Suspicious Ads and Unknown Websites
We’ve all seen eye-catching ads on social media promising “70% off” or “limited-time deals.” Clicking on unfamiliar ads may redirect you to fraudulent websites designed to steal your payment details or personal data.
If you’re going to shop online rather than in-store, stick with well-known retailers, or thoroughly research unfamiliar stores before making a purchase. Look for secure websites with “https” in the address and check for customer reviews.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
Always opt for secure payment methods, such as credit cards or digital wallets like PayPal. These services often offer fraud protection, unlike wire transfers or peer-to-peer apps, which can be harder to recover if something goes wrong.
5. Monitor Your Bank Accounts and Statements
Holiday shopping can be hectic, making it easy to miss fraudulent transactions. Regularly check your bank accounts and credit card statements for unusual activity. For added peace of mind, enable Ualerts, so you’re notified in real-time if there’s any unexpected activity on your account.
6. Stay Secure When Using Public Wi-Fi
Shopping online while sipping coffee at your favorite café might feel festive, but public Wi-Fi networks aren’t secure. Cybercriminals can intercept your personal information or payment details when you browse via public Wi-Fi networks.
If you’re going to shop online in a public place, use your mobile data or connect through a VPN (virtual private network).
7. Trust Your Instincts
If a deal seems too good to be true or something feels off, trust your gut. Scammers rely on urgency and pressure to make you act before you think. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to walk away if you’re unsure.
The holidays are a time to spread joy, not fall victim to fraud. By staying alert and following these simple steps, you can enjoy your shopping experience without the stress of scams. Safety and peace of mind are worth more than any discount or deal.
For more information on how to keep yourself cyber-safe, please visit https://unisonbank.com/security-tips.
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