Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner. The holiday season is a prime time for online shopping, but it also brings increased risks to your financial safety and identity.
Here are 7 tips to protect your identity while holiday shopping online:
1. Secure Your Smartphone
If you’re using your smartphone for online shopping, take extra steps to secure it. Before handing it over to a friend or family member, ensure you’re logged out of all apps and shopping accounts. Additionally, download a security app to lock your phone if it’s ever lost or stolen, keeping your sensitive information out of the wrong hands.
2. Beware of Fake Websites and Phishing Emails
During the holidays, scammers create fake websites and emails that look authentic but are designed to steal your data. Always verify the legitimacy of websites by looking for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources in emails, as they may lead to phishing sites. When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s official website.
3. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Scammers often test stolen accounts with small transactions before making more significant charges. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unfamiliar activity. Report suspicious transactions immediately to your bank or the merchant to limit potential damage.
4. Skip Public Wi-Fi
It’s safest to shop from home on a private network. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can expose your information to hackers. These networks can be compromised with malware or keystroke logging software, which can capture your sensitive details as you enter them.
5. Read Privacy Policies
Legitimate online retailers provide privacy policies to inform customers how their information is protected. Consider it a red flag if you’re shopping on a site and don’t see any privacy policy. Be cautious and stick to websites with transparent security practices.
6. Keep Track of Your Purchases
Save or print all of your online receipts. This will help you keep track of your spending and cross-reference your purchases with any charges you don’t recognize. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
7. Stay Smart on Social Media
Verify deals shared by friends on social media before acting on them. Social networks can be vulnerable to identity thieves, so exercise caution when following shopping links or recommendations.
Shop Smart, Stay Safe
Holiday shopping should be joyful, not stressful. With these straightforward security tips, you can protect your identity and financial information while finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones!
