Unwrapping The Holiday Safely

A Guide to Dodging Grinches and Shopping Scams!

Keeping Your Digital World Merry and Bright:

A Simple Guide to Staying Safe Online This Holiday Season

'Tis the season to be jolly, but it's also the season for online grinches trying to spoil the fun. Fear not! We're here with a simple guide to keep your digital world safe during the holiday hustle. Let's break down some easy steps to protect your info and steer clear of those pesky scammers peddling incredible offers via calls, SMS, and social media.

 

• Lock Down Your Passwords:

Picture your passwords as the secret codes to your digital kingdom. Ditch the easy ones and go for something stronger. Mix up letters, numbers, and symbols – and no using your pet's name! Change your passwords regularly to keep the grinches at bay.
 

• Give Your Password a Buddy - Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Your password needs a superhero sidekick. Turn on 2FA to make it harder for the bad guys. It's like having a secret handshake that only you and your device know.
 

• Keep Things Updated:

Think of your computer as a superhero headquarters. It needs updates to stay strong. Keep your system, antivirus, and apps in tip-top shape with regular updates. It's an easy way to fend off digital villains.
 

• Connect to Superhero-Worthy Wi-Fi:

When shopping online, use a safe Wi-Fi network. Avoid public Wi-Fi for secret missions – they're not as secure. If you must use one, consider a VPN for an extra layer of protection.
 

• Watch Out for Sneaky Tricks – Phishing:

Beware of digital tricksters trying to steal your info through emails, SMS, and social media. If something seems fishy, don't click. Check directly with the company. These tricksters often pose as superheroes with incredible offers.
 

• Shop on Superhero-Approved Websites:

Stick to websites with a digital superhero cape – look for "https://" in the address. It means the site has your back. Watch for a padlock icon too. If it's missing, reconsider your purchase.
 

• Keep an Eye on Your Money:

Your bank and credit card statements are your financial superhero sidekicks. Check them regularly for sneaky transactions. If you spot something fishy, alert your financial superheroes right away.
 

• Dodge Scammers:

The holiday season attracts scammers like moths to a flame. Beware of calls, SMS, and social media messages promising incredible offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is NOT. Stick to trusted sources and ignore unsolicited messages.
 

This holiday season let's make sure your digital world stays merry and bright. With these simple superhero moves; you'll be the guardian of your online universe. Stay safe, stay smart, and let the holiday cheer continue, sans the grinches!

Here are some examples of common shopping scams that you might encounter during the holiday season: 

Fake Websites:
Scammers create imitation online stores that mimic popular retailers. These sites often feature unbelievably low prices to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. Always double-check the website's legitimacy by reviewing customer reviews and ensuring the URL begins with "https://".

Phony Gift Cards:
Be cautious of emails or social media messages offering discounted gift cards from well-known retailers. Scammers might trick you into providing personal information or payment details in exchange for a non-existent gift card.

Bogus Auctions:
Fraudsters may set up fake auction sites, promising rare or high-demand items at attractive prices. After winning a bid and making payment, the buyer receives nothing in return. Stick to reputable auction platforms with buyer protection policies.

Social Media Scams:
Scammers often use social media platforms to advertise fake deals or limited time offers. Clicking on these links may lead to phishing sites or prompt you to share personal information. Always verify promotions directly on the retailer's official website.

Spoofed Shipping Notifications:
You receive an email or text claiming to be from a legitimate shipping company, providing a tracking link for a package you never ordered. Clicking on the link may download malware or lead to a phishing site. Verify shipping notifications by contacting the retailer directly.

Overpayment Scams:
Selling items online? Be cautious if a buyer offers to pay more than the asking price and requests a refund for the excess amount. This could be a scam, and the payment might be fraudulent.

Fake Customer Support:
Scammers might set up fake customer support lines, especially during peak shopping times. If you encounter issues with a purchase, verify the customer support contact details directly from the retailer's official website.

Unsolicited Emails with Deals:
Be wary of unsolicited emails promising incredible deals or discounts. Clicking on links within these emails could lead to phishing sites or malicious downloads. Only click on links from trusted sources.

 

Remember:
Always be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Stick to well-known retailers, double-check website URLs, and never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages. If in doubt, contact the retailer directly through their official channels to verify the legitimacy of any offers or communications. Stay vigilant and enjoy a safe and secure holiday shopping experience!

Anna Musialik
Office Manager