Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you know what that means. The malls are getting busier, the holiday decorations are going up, and online shopping is about to hit a peak. Holiday shopping is officially on, however so are the risks of holiday scams. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are super exciting for individuals looking for unbeatable deals. However, just as enthusiastic as shoppers—cybercriminals.
These bad actors see the holiday season as the perfect opportunity to exploit the surge in online transactions, leading to an increase in holiday scams. With tempting deals and a sense of urgency driving shoppers, it’s easier than ever for scammers to launch phishing attacks, set up fake websites, and steal personal information.
By taking a few proactive measures, you can outsmart cybercriminals and avoid falling victim to holiday scams. We’ll walk you through some vital cybersecurity tips to ensure your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping is secure.
Credit cards offer an added layer of protection because most card companies have robust fraud detection and reimbursement policies. If a fraudulent charge occurs, it’s easier to dispute with a credit card than with a debit card, which directly accesses your bank funds. Many credit cards also offer purchase protection, which can cover you if something goes wrong with your order.
2. Beware of Suspicious Emails
During the holiday shopping season, your inbox may be flooded with promotional emails. Unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of this by sending fake emails that look like they’re from legitimate retailers. These emails often contain links to malicious websites or attachments that can infect your device with malware. Always verify deals directly on the retailer’s official website and avoid clicking on links from unknown senders. Learn more about phishing emails and how to spot them: 7 Popular Email Scams, Are You Properly Trained to Spot a Phishing Email?
3. Use Strong Passwords
A strong, unique password for each shopping account is one of the best ways to secure your online presence. Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases the risk of credential stuffing attacks. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
4. Stick to Trusted Retailers
Shopping at well-known retailers reduces the risk of encountering scams. Be cautious with unfamiliar retailers, especially those advertising deals that seem too good to be true. Research these retailers by checking reviews and verifying their contact information before making any purchases. A little awareness can save you from falling victim to fraud.
5. Don’t Save Payment Information
Many online stores offer the option to save your payment details for faster checkout. While convenient, this can be risky if the retailer’s database is hacked. Instead, enter your payment details manually for each purchase to minimize exposure in case of a data breach.
When shopping online, always ensure the website uses a secure connection, indicated by “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. The “s” in “https” stands for secure, meaning your data is encrypted as it travels between your device and the website. Avoid making purchases on sites that lack these security features, as they could expose your sensitive information to cybercriminals.
7. Don’t Fall for Pop-Up Ads
Pop-ups promising “limited-time” deals often redirect to malicious sites or trigger downloads of malware. To stay safe, use a pop-up blocker in your browser and avoid interacting with these ads. Instead, navigate directly to a retailer’s official website to verify any advertised promotions.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about a deal or website, it’s better to stay on the side of caution. Scammers often rely on urgency and pressure tactics to catch shoppers off guard. Take your time, research the retailer, and trust your gut if something seems suspicious and stay cyber safe for the holiday season.
