The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and will be gone before you know it. So, it’s time to start checking off that gift list! Online holiday shopping brings game-changing convenience to busy shoppers, but without the proper safety best practices, online shoppers can be vulnerable to hackers, identity theft, and all other kinds of scams. Here are five crucial holiday online shopping safety tips and answers to common questions that will get you ready for a safe shopping season.

5 Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips

1. Use Secure Websites (for Santa-Approved Shopping)

When hunting for those perfect holiday deals, it’s essential to make sure you’re practicing safe internet browsing by shopping on secure websites. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Check for HTTPS and a padlock symbol in the website’s URL: Secure websites have URLs that start with “https://” and typically display a padlock symbol in the address bar. This indicates that your connection is encrypted, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data.
  • Shop from reputable and well-known online retailers: Stick with the big names or trusted online stores. If you don’t recognize an online store, it’s best to avoid it. While lesser-known shops might have great deals, they also present a higher risk of scams.
  • Avoid suspicious websites with deals that seem too good to be true: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of websites that promise extravagant discounts, as they may be phishing scams or counterfeit sites.

2. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Keeping an eye on your financial accounts is a fundamental part of online shopping safety. Follow these steps:

  • Regularly review your credit card and bank statements for charges you don’t recognize: Check your statements for unusual or unauthorized transactions. The quicker you spot a problem, the easier it is to resolve.
  • Set up transaction alerts to receive notifications for unusual activity: Most financial institutions offer the option to set up transaction alerts. These notifications can help you catch suspicious transactions early.
  • Report possible suspicious transactions to your financial institution promptly: If you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts, immediately contact your bank or credit card company to report the issue and initiate an investigation.

Use IdentityIQ identity theft protection and credit monitoring: IdentityIQ credit report monitoring alerts you when possible suspicious activity is detected.

3. Avoid Grinchy Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are the Grinches of the online shopping world. Help protect yourself from their sneaky tricks with these steps:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial information: Scammers often send emails pretending to be from trusted sources, requesting your sensitive information. Don’t fall for it.
  • Verify the sender’s identity if you receive a suspicious email: If you receive an email that seems suspicious, double-check the sender’s email address and be wary of any generic greetings or urgent requests for personal information.
  • Do not click links or download attachments from unknown sources: Clicking links or downloading attachments from suspicious sources can lead to malware or phishing attempts. When in doubt, don’t click!

4. Be Careful How You Pay

Help protect your financial information during online shopping also means being cautious about how you pay. Here’s how:

Use secure payment methods like credit cards or digital wallets: These offer an added layer of protection. Credit cards often provide buyer’s insurance.

  • Avoid sharing sensitive information via email or on unsecured websites: Never send your credit card or personal information through email or unsecured websites. Reputable online stores can provide secure payment options during checkout.
  • Look for secure payment icons on the online store’s checkout page: Trustworthy online retailers display secure payment icons during the checkout process, ensuring your payment information is well-protected.

5. Jingle All the Way Away from Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi can be a Grinch’s paradise for cybercriminals. Here’s how to stay secure:

  • Avoid making online purchases on public Wi-Fi networks, which may not be secure: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making your data vulnerable. Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi whenever you can.
  • Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection while shopping on the go: A VPN adds a layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. It’s a useful tool when shopping from less secure networks.
  • If you must use public Wi-Fi, limit your activity to browsing and wait to make purchases on a secure network: If you’re out and about, you can still browse products on public Wi-Fi but wait until you’re on a secure network to complete your purchase.

Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips FAQs

What is holiday online shopping safety, and why is it important?

Holiday online shopping safety refers to taking precautions and following best practices to help protect your personal and financial information while shopping online during the holiday season. It’s crucial to ensure your sensitive data is secure and prevent falling victim to scams or cyberattacks.

How can I identify phishing emails and websites?

Watch for misspelled URLs, generic greetings, urgent requests for personal information, and email addresses that seem suspicious. You should never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. If anything seems suspicious, you should verify the sender’s identity by contacting the company they claim to represent directly.

Are there secure payment methods I should use for online shopping?

Use reputable and secure payment methods like credit cards or digital wallets. Avoid sharing sensitive information via email or on unsecured websites. Check for secure payment icons on the checkout page.

Is it safe to shop on public Wi-Fi networks during the holidays?

Shopping on public Wi-Fi networks is generally not recommended because they are much more vulnerable to hackers. If you need to make a purchase while on the go, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection for added security.

What should I do if I suspect a fraudulent charge on my account?

Immediately contact your bank or credit card company to report the unauthorized charge. They can help you dispute the charge and secure your account. Changing your passwords and reviewing your online security settings as soon as possible is also crucial.

How can I stay informed about the latest online shopping safety practices?

Stay updated by following reputable cybersecurity blogs, news outlets, and official websites of online security organizations. Regularly check for security updates on your devices and software.

What do I do if I’ve fallen victim to an online shopping scam during the holidays?

Immediately contact your financial institution to report any unauthorized transactions. Also, report the incident to your local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or a similar agency in your country.

Bottom Line

As the holidays approach, hackers and identity thieves are gearing up to take advantage of the shopping season, especially online. This is why it is critical that you consider these tips before you begin online holiday shopping. For extra assurance, you can find complete security with IdentityIQ, the comprehensive identity theft and credit protection service with a variety of features designed for your financial well-being. IdentityIQ well-rounded protection gives you the peace of mind you deserve this holiday season.