Shop Safely This Holiday Season

The Holiday Season Is a Prime Time for Scams!

During the holiday season, criminals will try to scam us with too-good-to-be true deals or even fake charities. Their tactics typically include malicious links that install malware on our devices or fraudulent websites that can steal our money or even our identities.

How big of a problem are holiday shopping scams? appear at the top of the graphic. Below, a gingerbread man stands next to a stat saying 12,000 victims. To the right, we see a credit card icon that says $73 million in total losses. The bottom says 2022 FBI stats.

The good news is that Secure Our World has tips to protect you and your family, friends and business from these scams.

Protect Your Devices & Accounts Against Scammers

Take these steps before making any online purchases to help protect your devices, personal and financial information, and accounts.

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Update Software

Software updates protect you against known threats—but only if you install them. Update software on all devices you’re using for online shopping. Better yet, enable automatic software updates to make things easier.

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Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are long (at least 16 characters), random and unique for each account. At minimum, strengthen passwords for financial accounts and email. Always change the default password on new tech items you’ve purchased.

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Use a Password Manager

A password manager can generate, save and fill in strong passwords for you. Search a trusted source for “password managers” like Consumer Reports, which offers a selection of highly rated password managers. Set one up today!

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Turn on MFA

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a second step to prove your identity when logging in, like using your fingerprint or entering a code sent to you. It keeps your accounts safer than a password alone. Turn it on for every account that offers it.

For step-by-step guidance on how to secure devices and accounts, check out our Instructional Videos.

Recognize Phishing Attempts

Almost everyone receives exciting emails from retailers about special holiday offers, and with the hustle and bustle of holiday season, your busy schedule can cause you to want to move fast and check off items on your to-do list.

However, phishing messages are even more frequent during the holiday shopping season! And scammers are getting better and better at their schemes.

Your best bet to avoid getting fooled is to purchase items directly from the websites of trusted vendors and stay alert by knowing what to look for. Be cautious of fake ads on social media platforms.

We’ve got you covered with a few tips below to avoid the phish hook.

The number 5 appears in the left corner. An email with a hook is in the center with snowflakes around it.

Beware of phishing messages

Most of us receive emails or texts from retailers about holiday sales. Cyber criminals will often send phishing messages—designed to look like they’re from retailers—that have malicious links or that ask you for personal or financial information.

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Don't click links or download attachments

Don’t click links or download attachments in messages you aren’t expecting. If you’re unsure if a message is legitimate, don’t call any number in the message. Use a search engine to look up the company’s website and contact information.

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Be wary of requests for information

Scammers may attempt to trick you into giving them information through text or email. Legitimate businesses won’t ask for sensitive info in this way. Common scams include asking you to verify your delivery address or confirm your purchase or account.

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Report scams

If you receive a suspicious email that you think may be a phishing scam, report it. Then, delete the message. Don’t reply or click on any attachment or link, including any “unsubscribe” link. Just delete.

Learn more about how to Recognize and Report Phishing.

Purchase with Confidence

If you’re going to make that purchase, know what sensitive details you’re sharing. Before providing personal or financial information, check the website’s privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.

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Check for encryption

Your info should be encrypted as it’s transmitted to the merchant's server. Look in your browser’s location bar to make sure the website address begins with “https” instead of just “http”. Also, ensure the padlock icon is locked.

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Choose reputable vendors

Malicious websites may appear very professional. Always verify a business before entering any information. The Better Business Bureau allows you to search if a business is accredited. Research customer reviews or complaints.

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Consider using credit, not debit

Laws limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection for your debit cards. Unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay other bills.

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Check your accounts frequently

You’ll likely make more purchases over the holiday season, so check your credit card and bank accounts frequently. Notify the financial institution immediately if you see any unauthorized charges.