The holidays are a magical season when many of us are busy spending time with friends and family, indulging in comfort foods, and rewatching those classic movies we love so much. However, while we’re immersed in celebration, cybercriminals are lurking in the background, ready to take advantage of these distractions. And with the rise in online shopping for Christmas, Cyber Monday, and all the seasonal deals, scammers are working overtime to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.
To help you enjoy a worry-free holiday season, here are 4 Essential Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams:
1. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Keeping an eye on your financial accounts is always a smart move, but it’s especially important during the holidays. Regularly review your bank statements and cross-check with your purchases to catch unauthorized transactions early. The sooner you spot fraudulent charges, the easier they are to resolve.
TIPS:
- Use a Credit Card for online shopping – Debit cards offer less fraud protection compared to credit cards since they pull funds directly from your bank account. If a scammer gains access, your money could be tied up indefinitely. Credit cards, on the other hand, often include built-in fraud protection, making them a safer option for holiday shopping.
- Freeze your credit for an extra layer of security – It’s simple to unfreeze when you need to make a purchase, and it can save you from significant headaches down the road.
2. Stay Alert to Package Scams
Scammers frequently send fake emails or text messages pretending to be postal carriers, claiming a package is undeliverable or requires more information. These messages often include malicious links or phone numbers designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your devices.
TIPS:
- Don’t click – Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unsolicited messages.
- Track the package yourself – If you’re expecting a delayed package, rely on the original tracking number or contact the postal carrier directly using verified contact information.
- Stay on guard – Postal carriers will never ask for your social security number, credit or debit card numbers, or any other sensitive information. If this information is requested, you’re likely talking to a scammer.
For further information, check out this article from the United States Postal Inspection Service about package tracking scams.
3. Beware of Fake Order Confirmations
Receiving an order confirmation for something you didn’t purchase can be alarming. Scammers send fake notifications, often mimicking reputable retailers, to panic you into “verifying” purchases you didn’t make. Their goal is to steal your login credentials or payment information.
TIPS:
- Open your own browser – Always log in directly to your retailer account instead of clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. Legitimate order confirmations will be accessible from your account dashboard, and this practice helps you avoid phishing attempts.
4. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
We all love a good bargain, especially during the holidays. But scammers capitalize on this by creating fake ads that mimic legitimate retailers. These fraudulent ads, particularly prevalent on social media, trick shoppers into entering their payment details on fake websites.
TIPS:
- Go straight to the source – If you spot an enticing deal, go directly to the retailer’s official website by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking on the ad. This small step can prevent you from falling victim to these scams.
- Make sure it’s secure – When you’re on a website’s payment page, check for the padlock symbol in the address bar. This symbol indicates that any information sent between your browser and the website is encrypted and secure. However, scammers can sometimes fake this padlock. Be extra cautious and double-check the website’s URL in the address bar to ensure it matches the site you’re intending to purchase from.
Remember, a little caution goes a long way. If you ever feel unsure about an email, text, or notice something unusual with your IT systems, we’re here to help.
At Securus Systems, we’re here to keep your tech running smoothly so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying the holidays!
Happy Holidays from all of us at Securus Systems!
