Protect your information from holiday shopping scams

Holiday online shopping safety tips to avoid scams

Holiday shopping scams are on the rise as the season kicks off, targeting online shoppers and their personal information. Scammers are especially active, hoping to catch people off guard while they shop. By recognizing fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and scam messages, you can enjoy a safer holiday season and keep your information secure.

Spotting Holiday Shopping Scams on Websites

A site may look legitimate, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Holiday shopping scams often involve imposter websites designed to steal information. Before making purchases:

  • Verify “https” at the beginning of the URL and look for a padlock icon.
  • Check for an “About Us” page and valid contact details.
  • Be cautious of poorly designed websites, especially those missing basic sections.

For more information on identifying fake websites, check out our Online Shopping Safety Guide.

Email Scams: How to Stay Protected

Phishing emails are common during holiday shopping seasons. Even emails that bypass your spam filter aren’t guaranteed to be safe. Avoid clicking links or opening attachments unless you’re certain of the sender’s legitimacy. Make sure your email’s junk filter is active, and manually inspect any suspicious messages.

Recognizing Social Media and Text Scams

Holiday shopping scams also surface in social media ads and text messages. Here’s how to stay cautious:

  1. Social Media Ads: Don’t assume every ad on social media is safe. Research the company’s reputation by checking for recent reviews and legitimate contact information.
  2. Text Messages: Messages like “thanks for your order” or “click here for shipping updates” can be phishing attempts. If you didn’t place an order, delete these messages.

Reporting Fraud

If you encounter a holiday shopping scam or suspect fraud, take these steps:

  • Contact your bank or financial institution.
  • File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission FTC, FBI FBI Complaint Center, or Federal Communications Commission FCC.
  • Veterans who suspect fraud related to VA disability benefits should call 1-855-578-5492 immediately.

Stay vigilant to avoid holiday shopping scams, and remember: it’s better to verify than to risk compromising your information.

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