During the holidays, your inbox is likely overflowing with promotional emails, discount codes and “limited time offers.” While these can be exciting, they can also open the door to more fraud. Fraudsters often disguise malicious emails as legitimate promotions, hoping to catch you off guard.
Here are six security tips to help you shop smart online and keep your inbox safe this holiday season:
1. Be cautious with promotional emails
Not every “deal” is real. Fraudsters often mimic popular brands to send fake promotional emails that contain harmful links or attachments. Before clicking:
- Check the sender’s email address for misspellings or odd domains.
- Check for promotional deals by accessing the company’s website using a trusted URL.
- Avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders.
2. Unsubscribe wisely
During the holidays, you may find yourself subscribed to dozens of retail newsletters. While unsubscribing can help declutter your inbox, be sure to:
- Unsubscribe directly from the website rather than through an email link.
- If an email looks suspicious, avoid clicking “unsubscribe” as it could be a phishing attempt.
- Use your email provider’s built-in unsubscribe feature when available.
3. Shop directly from trusted websites
Instead of clicking through email links, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the URL into your browser. This ensures you’re not redirected to a fraudulent site pretending to be the real thing. Look for:
- A lock icon in the browser’s address bar.
- URLs that begin with “https” (the “s” stands for secure).
4. Use strong, unique passwords
If you create accounts while shopping online, use strong and unique passwords for each one. This helps prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts if one is compromised.
Consider using a password manager to securely keep track of your information.
5. Shop safely online
Avoid logging into websites and making online purchases while using public Wi-Fi because network access can be intercepted, and fraudsters can steal your browsing history and personal information. Instead, use your secure home Wi-Fi or personal VPN. When shopping online, even using secure home Wi-Fi or personal VPN, use a virtual credit card number or services such as Apple Pay or Google Pay whenever possible.
6. Monitor your inbox and bank statements
Keep an eye on your inbox for order confirmations and shipping updates. If something looks off, like a confirmation for a purchase you didn’t make, act quickly. Also, be sure to:
- Review your bank statements for unauthorized charges.
- Match receipts with transactions.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
Remember, you are your own first line of defense during the holiday shopping season. By staying alert and following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without falling victim to scams.
