As the calendar flips from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, the thrill of holiday deals is high—but so is the risk to your wallet and personal information. Whether you’re clicking “checkout” from your couch or racing through the store for doorbusters, savvy shoppers know that fraudsters are just as active this season. From phony websites to email scams to reckless password habits, staying alert and protecting your identity is as important as snagging that perfect deal. For example, government agencies report that scammers exploit the holiday rush by creating fake shopping sites, urging you to pay with wire transfers or other risky methods.
Here are some tips to keep your finances and identity safe during this holiday shopping season.
Shop Only on Secure Sites
Look for ‘https’ in the URL and avoid entering payment info on unfamiliar or unverified sites. Don’t enter any information on a site whose address starts with only ‘http’ instead of ‘https’.
Check the Website Address Spelling Carefully
Bad actors take advantage of the fact that we’re all in a rush. Always confirm the address (URL) of the website before entering your information or making a purchase. Hackers will purchase domain names that are very similar to legitimate business names and rely upon the fact that we’ll miss the mis-spelling in the website address.
Don’t Click on Ads in Social Media
See an ad for a deal on Facebook that seems too good to be true? It probably is. Rather than clicking on the ad (which may bring you to a fake site made to look like the real site), open your web browser on your phone and type in the business’s website address. Then, see if the deal is showing on their homepage or deals page.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Don’t reuse passwords across sites. Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication when available.
Beware of Phishing Emails
Fake shipping updates and “too-good-to-be-true” deals are common traps. If you didn’t sign up for it — don’t click it.
Monitor Bank Statements
Check your transactions often for any suspicious activity. Many banks now offer real-time alerts. Sign up for them!
Consider Identity Theft Coverage
Some renters or home insurance policies offer optional identity theft protection. Ask your agent if you’re covered.
Your holiday shopping should bring joy and the security that your purchases, finances and identity are safe. By sticking to secure websites (look for “https”), verifying you’re on the site you think you are, using strong, unique passwords, not clicking ads on social media or in email, and keeping an eye on your accounts, you’ll dramatically reduce the chances of letting scammers turn your big savings into a big headache. And if you’ve also checked your credit cards’ protections and considered identity-theft coverage, you’ve not only earned a great deal, you’ve protected your future. Start the season smart, stay alert, and enjoy the deals without giving unwanted attention to fraudsters.