How to Avoid Holiday Scams: 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Safter Online Shopping
Article used with permission from The Technology Press
The holiday season is here – and so are the holiday scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of the busy shopping season when people are distracted and rushing to grab deals. From fake shipping updates to “too good to be true” sales, scammers use this time of year to steal data and money.
A few proactive cybersecurity habits now can save you from expensive headaches later. Here are some of the most important ways to protect yourself from holiday scams while shopping online.
Update Devices to Protect Against Holiday Scams
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks. That quick 10-min iPhone or laptop update you’ve been ignoring? it could close a vulnerability hackers rely on to access your device.
Before shopping online:
- Install all available operating system and app updates.
- Restart your device so patches take the effect.
Keeping your systems current is one of the simplest ways to prevent holiday hackers from sneaking in.
Don't Click Links in Emails or Texts
It might seem faster to click a link in a ‘sale alert’ or ‘shipping confirmation’, but phishing scams are rampant this time of year. One wrong click can trigger malware downloads or fake login pages to steal your credentials.
Instead:
- Type the retailers URL directly into your browser (e.g., amazon.com).
- Save trusted shopping sites as bookmarks for quick access.
Taking a few extra seconds could save you from major security issues. Avoid clicking suspicious links to protect yourself from holiday scams.
Remove Saved Payment Cards After Checking Out
Many online stores automatically save your payment details for convenience – but that convenience comes with risk. If your account or the retailer’s database is compromised, your payment info could be exposed. After you complete a purchase go to your account settings and delete saved cards. The fewer places your card information is stored, the safer you are.
Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground, they make it easy for holiday scams. Cybercriminals often lurk on open networks, monitoring traffic for passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data. If you’re out and about, avoid logging into accounts or making purchases on public Wi-Fi-, use your mobile data connection instead. Best practice is to wait until you’re on a secure network before entering payment details.
Spot Brand Impersonation Holiday Scams
Phishing emails and fake websites have become incredibly convincing. Between 2021 and 2022, there was a 397% increase in typo-squatting domains – sites designed to look like legitimate retailers.
Be especially cautious with messages that appear to come from major retailers such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or Target. Common red flags include:
- Urgent shipping or account alerts
- Misspelled URLs
- Unusual sender addresses
When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s official website instead of clicking any links.
The Most Common Holiday Scams to Watch For
- Phishing Emails: Fake Messages form popular brands asking for personal info or login credentials.
- Gift card Scams: Fraudsters posing as coworkers or executives requesting gift cards.
- Fake Online Stores or Ads: Unfamiliar brands offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Charity Scams: Emotional donation requests that pressure you to act immediately.
- Holiday-Themed Attachments: Festive e-cards or invoices that actually contain malware.
What to Do if You Detect a Scam
- Report suspicious emails to your IT provider.
- If you clicked a bad link, disconnect from Wi-Fi immediately.
- Change passwords for any affected accounts.
- Report incidents to FTC.gov or IC3.gov.
Cybercriminals don’t take holidays. A few smart precautions now can help you steer clear of holiday scams and enjoy a safer shopping expierence.
If you’d like help reviewing your organization’s cybersecurity posture before year-end, Cleartech Group can help ensure your systems and people are protected from evolving threats.