Cyber-Savvy Holidays: Protect Your Wallet and Data
Nov 12, 2024
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it a mix of joy and a whirlwind of tasks. Amidst the festive cheer, it’s easy to fall prey to holiday scams, especially when we’re rushing through our to-do lists. With the increase in big purchases during this time, it’s essential to be extra cautious to protect our credit card information from being compromised by a careless click.
We’ve talked about these risks before, but it bears repeating as these three areas continue to pose significant threats:
- Fake Charities: Before donating, take a moment to verify the charity. Visit the charity’s verified website and contribute through their secure online portal. Scams can also come via email. Look for common phishing indicators before clicking any donation link to avoid being directed to a malicious site that could steal your credit card information.
- Online Shopping Scams: Phishing emails often lead to online shopping scams. With increased spending, fraudulent websites selling fake goods become more prevalent. Ensure the retailer is legitimate by checking reviews, confirming the website has a secure connection (look for “https”), watching for poor grammar, and being wary of huge discounts on typically expensive items.
- Fraudulent Shipping Communications: Be cautious of texts or calls about shipping delays. When you get notifications stating your items won’t arrive on time, check first for spelling errors or requests to click a link for more details. If the message is full of errors or asks you to click a link, delete it. Verify its validity by visiting the website where you purchased the items to check the shipping status.
Additional Tips for Staying Safe
By remaining vigilant and aware during the festive season, you can safeguard your personal information and enjoy a worry-free holiday.
