How to Avoid Holiday Scams

When shopping online this holiday season, and at every other time of the year, be on the lookout for scams.

Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics such as sending requests from fake charities, various online shopping scams and deceptive communications about shipping problems on your purchase orders.

Protect both your money and your personal information with these tips to stay scam-free throughout the year.

Practice Good Cybersecurity Habits

• Avoid Suspicious Links: Don’t immediately click on suspicious links or attachments sent in emails, texts, on websites, or on social media. Verify the source is legitimate before you click.
• Protect Personal Information: Don’t disclose personal information such as your name, bank account number and password in an unsolicited request. Contact the sender directly to verify the authenticity of the request.

Know the Sellers

• Verify Website Legitimacy: Before making any purchases, verify the legitimacy and security of the website by checking the URL. Look for 'https' in the web address; if it's missing, refrain from entering any personal information.
• Research Merchants: If you’re buying from a new company, do your research and read reviews to ensure the company is credible.
• Evaluate Sellers: When using platforms like online marketplaces or auction websites, confirm the legitimacy of the sellers by checking their feedback ratings.

Be Careful How You Pay

• Use Credit Cards: Opt for credit cards for online shopping and regularly review your statements. If you notice any suspicious transactions, contact your credit card company immediately to dispute the charge.

Monitor Deliveries

• Track Your Orders: Get the tracking numbers for items purchased online so you can monitor the delivery process closely.