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Stay Safe While Shopping on Your Phone This Holiday Season

Published: November 6, 2024

Stay Safe While Shopping on Your Phone This Holiday Season

As holiday shopping heats up, mobile shopping becomes a convenient way to find deals and check off wish lists on the go. With mobile deals and one-click orders, it’s no surprise that many of us will be turning to our smartphones for holiday shopping this season. But while shopping on your phone is convenient, it also comes with some risks. By following a few simple safety practices, you can keep your information secure and enjoy a worry-free shopping season.

1. Understand the Risks of Mobile Shopping

Shopping on your phone carries many of the same risks as browsing on your computer, like identity theft and data breaches. Here are some common security threats:

  • Public Wi-Fi Networks: Shopping over public Wi-Fi exposes your personal information to hackers.

  • Phishing Scams: Fake holiday deals, emails, or texts may lure you into sharing personal information with scammers.

  • Malware & Viruses: Malicious ads and fake apps can infect your phone with malware, stealing your data.

  • Data Breaches: Even legitimate websites can experience breaches that compromise your payment information.

A hacked phone or stolen information can lead to serious issues, including unauthorized purchases and even access to other accounts. Protecting your personal data is essential, especially when holiday shopping on your phone.

2. Secure Your Phone

Begin by making sure your phone itself is protected. These easy steps can help you secure your device:

  • Set a Strong Password: Use a unique password, PIN, or biometric lock on your phone.

  • Update Your Software: Regularly updating your phone’s operating system can protect against the latest security threats.

  • Install Security Apps: Antivirus software can scan your phone for malware and keep your data safe.

If you’re shopping on your phone often, consider identity protection from your carrier or an identity theft protection service to add an extra layer of security.

3. Shop Smart and Connect Safely

While you’re browsing holiday deals, take extra care to shop securely:

  • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is a holiday shopper’s enemy. Use your cellular data to protect your information while shopping on the go.

  • Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can add another layer of security by masking your internet connection, especially helpful if you’re holiday shopping away from home.

  • Stick with Trusted Retailers: Stick to well-known retailers and verify websites before entering any payment details. Look for "https" in the website’s URL and a lock icon in your browser, which indicate that the site is secure.

With more retailers offering apps, beware of downloading any that look suspicious. Fake apps pop up more frequently during the holidays, posing as popular brands and tricking you into entering sensitive information.

4. Protect Your Payment Information

The holidays can be a busy time, making it easy to save payment information on websites or apps for faster checkout. However, these habits come with risks. Here’s how to keep your payment information safe:

  • Skip the “Save Card” Option: Opt for guest checkout to avoid storing your card information on the site.

  • Use Digital Wallets: Apps like Apple Wallet and Google Wallet offer secure payment options that don’t share your credit card details directly with the retailer. Each transaction is encrypted for added protection.

Learn how to add your USSFCU cards to your phone’s mobile wallet

5. Monitor Your Accounts for Fraud

With so many transactions happening over the holidays, it’s essential to keep an eye on your accounts:

  • Enable Account Alerts: Set up alerts for purchases, so you’re immediately notified if a charge looks suspicious.

Learn more about setting up alerts for your USSFCU cards

  • Review Statements Regularly: Check your credit card and bank statements frequently and report any unfamiliar transactions immediately.

  • Consider Credit Monitoring: Many credit monitoring services can alert you to new accounts opened in your name, which is especially helpful during the holiday season when identity theft spikes.

If you do notice any suspicious activity, don’t panic. Contact your financial institution or card issuer to report the problem, change your passwords, and take the necessary steps to secure your account.

Stay Cautious, Shop Smart

Holiday shopping on your phone can be safe and convenient with a little extra caution. By securing your phone, shopping on trusted sites, and monitoring your accounts, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy a seamless holiday shopping experience. Embrace the convenience of mobile shopping while keeping your holiday season safe from digital threats!

Article content and third-party links are provided for information purposes only. 

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