Key Dangers to Watch For While Joyfully Checking Off Your Holiday Shopping List

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers need to be more vigilant than ever. Visa’s 2024 Threat Report and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warn of escalating scams designed to exploit the surge in gift-giving and online shopping. Fraudsters are leveraging sophisticated tactics, from phishing emails to fake websites, to steal your personal and financial information. Here’s how to safeguard your holiday shopping experience with these must-know strategies.

What to Watch Out For While You Check Off Your Shopping List

Holiday shopping brings joy, but it also opens doors for scammers. Fraudsters target unsuspecting consumers with fake websites, phishing scams, and even physical theft in crowded shopping centers. Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead.

1. Online Shopping Safety Tips

Online shopping is convenient, but it’s a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals. Follow these safety tips to protect your information:

•Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi: Hackers can easily intercept data on unsecured networks. Stick to your home Wi-Fi or use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.

•Shop only on encrypted websites: Look for URLs starting with “https” (the “s” stands for secure) to ensure the website encrypts your information.

•Use unique, secure passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across shopping sites. Strong, unique passwords reduce your risk if a site is hacked.

•Pay with credit cards, not debit cards: Credit cards offer better fraud protection and are less risky than debit cards if your information is compromised.

2. Beware of Fake Shopping Websites

Fake shopping sites are a growing threat, with scammers creating professional-looking pages offering unreal discounts on sought-after items. These sites are often designed to steal your personal data and payment information without delivering a product.

How to Spot a Fake Website:

•Check the URL for “https” and avoid sites with spelling errors or odd domain names.

•Research the seller by reading reviews and verifying their contact information.

•Avoid deals that seem too good to be true—if it’s unbelievably cheap, it’s likely a scam.

Develop a plan of protection by sticking to trusted retailers and bookmarking their official websites. Whenever possible, opt for secure payment methods like PayPal or virtual credit card numbers to minimize risks.

3. Free Gift Card Scams

Who doesn’t love a free gift card? Scammers know this and exploit it by sending phishing emails that mimic legitimate companies offering rewards for loyalty.

How to Stay Safe:

•Ignore unsolicited emails claiming you’ve won a gift card.

•Mark suspicious messages as spam and delete them.

•If you open the email, never click on any links or provide personal information.

Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive data in exchange for rewards. If in doubt, visit the company’s official website directly to verify any promotions.

4. Charity Scams: Check Before You Give

The season of giving is also a season of taking for scammers posing as fake charities. They exploit donors’ goodwill by creating false charities with convincing names.

Steps to Verify a Charity:

•Use the BBB’s Give.org to confirm the legitimacy of a charity.

•Avoid donating through unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.

•Pay attention to the payment methods—reputable charities won’t demand cash or cryptocurrency donations.

By doing your research, you can ensure your contributions truly support a good cause.

5. Guard Against Physical Theft

Crowded shopping centers are a hotspot for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Thieves also exploit high-traffic areas to skim card data at ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) terminals.

How to Stay Protected:

•Keep your bags and valuables within sight at all times.

•Use ATMs in secure locations, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

•Monitor your bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges.

Being mindful of your surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of theft during the holiday rush.

Holiday Shopping Takeaway: Plan, Protect, and Prosper

Holiday shopping should be joyful, not stressful. By following these tips, you can avoid scams and keep your hard-earned money safe:

1.Prioritize shopping on secure platforms and use credit cards for added protection.

2.Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, including free gift cards and unbelievable discounts.

3.Research charities before donating, and stay alert to physical threats while shopping.

With a little preparation, you can outsmart scammers and enjoy a season of giving and receiving without worry. Make your holidays merry and secure by being proactive and vigilant—for the peace of mind that comes with safe shopping!