Keep the cheer and skip the scams this holiday season
Five simple ways to shop and celebrate safely
The holiday season is filled with traditions, gatherings, gift-giving, and crossing tasks off ever-growing to-do lists. Whether you’re buying gifts online, making travel plans, or supporting your favorite local organizations, a few smart habits can help keep your information secure and your focus where it belongs: enjoying the festive season.
Take a moment before you click or share
The holidays bring plenty of exciting promotions, heartwarming stories, and can’t-miss offers. Before clicking a link or sharing a post, take a moment to make sure it’s coming from a trusted source.
A few helpful reminders:
- Verify information before sharing it with others.
- Confirm websites and social media accounts are legitimate.
- Be cautious of messages that claim you need to act immediately.
A quick pause can go a long way in helping you make informed decisions online.
Shop with retailers you know and trust
Online shopping makes holiday gift-giving easier than ever. Sticking with trusted retailers and shopping through their official websites can help ensure a smooth experience.
Before making a purchase:
- Shop directly through a retailer’s website or app.
- Compare offers if a discount seems unusually high.
- Save receipts and order confirmations for your records.
The best holiday deals are the ones that arrive exactly as expected.
Keep track of deliveries through official channels
With packages arriving throughout the season, delivery updates become part of everyday life. The easiest way to stay informed is by tracking packages directly through the retailer or shipping carrier.
To stay organized:
- Use official retailer websites or carrier apps to track orders.
- Review shipping notifications carefully before clicking links.
- Double-check sender information if a message seems unexpected.
When you know where to find accurate tracking information, you can enjoy the anticipation without guesswork.
Be thoughtful about new apps and downloads
From holiday recipes and travel planning to gift tracking and budgeting, apps can make the season easier. Choosing reliable sources can help keep your devices secure.
Before downloading:
- Use official app stores.
- Read reviews and ratings.
- Review requested permissions before installing.
A little research upfront can help create a problem-free experience all season long.
Stay connected to your accounts
This time of year often means more purchases, donations, and travel-related spending than usual. Keeping an eye on your accounts can help you avoid fraudulent charges.
Consider:
- Enabling account and transaction alerts.
- Reviewing recent activity regularly.
- Updating passwords when needed.
- Using multi-factor authentication when available.
These simple tools can help provide peace of mind during this hectic time.
Enjoy the season with confidence
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help you protect your information while enjoying everything the season has to offer. Shop smart, stay aware, and focus on celebrating and creating meaningful memories.