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10 Tips to help keep you safe shopping online this Holiday Season
The holiday season is a great time to shop for the people you love, but it’s also a time when online scams and sneaky fraud attempts ramp up. With so much happening in our inboxes, social feeds, and favorite shopping apps, it’s easy to get caught off guard. A few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your information safe and your holiday stress-free. Here are ten quick tips to help you shop with confidence this season.
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Shop with trusted retailers.
Well-known stores or brands you’ve used before are your safest bet. If you land on a site you’ve never heard of, take a moment to look for reviews or ratings before entering any information.
Check the website address carefully.
Scammers often create “almost right” versions of popular sites. A quick glance at the URL — especially for misspellings — can save you a lot of trouble.
Look for https:// at checkout.
That little “s” means the website is using a secure connection. If it’s missing, don’t enter your payment info.
Use a credit card, not a debit card.
Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection, and they don’t pull money directly from your checking account if something goes wrong.
Skip public Wi-Fi when making purchases.
Public networks make it easier for someone to intercept your information. Wait until you’re on a private, secure connection before checking out.
Create strong, unique passwords for your shopping accounts.
Using the same password everywhere puts you at risk. A password manager can help you keep things organized without having to remember them all.
Turn on two-factor authentication whenever possible.
It’s an extra layer of security, usually a text or app code, that makes it much harder for someone to break into your account.
Be cautious with emails and texts claiming to be from retailers.
Fake messages often say something “urgent” to get you to click quickly. Instead of clicking links, go directly to the retailer’s website or app to check your order status.
Monitor your bank and credit card activity throughout the season.
A quick check every few days helps you spot anything unusual before it turns into a bigger problem.
Keep your devices updated.
Software updates aren’t just about new features, they often fix security gaps that scammers try to exploit. Updating your phone, tablet, and computer regularly gives you stronger protection while you shop.
Even though this time of year brings a surge in online shopping, and unfortunately, a surge in scams, these tips aren’t seasonal. Building a few of these habits into your everyday routine can help safeguard your accounts, your devices, and your peace of mind no matter when you shop.