Security Corner Blog

The holiday season is right around the corner, and for many, that means Black Friday deals for holiday gift giving. While scoring for that perfect gift for your loved ones at a discount is exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Cybercriminals are eager to take advantage of busy shoppers with online scams designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Here are some common scams to watch for—and tips to keep your holiday shopping secure.

Scam Ads on Social Media

Is that tempting ad offering 80% off The North Face merchandise or other unbelievable deals? It could be a scam. Fraudsters often post fake ads on social media to lure shoppers into providing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Tip: Always verify the legitimacy of an ad by visiting the retailer’s official website directly. Avoid clicking on ads or links in posts, even if they appear trustworthy.

Bogus Websites

Scammers often create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers to trick shoppers. These sites may steal your credit card details, infect your device with malware, or both.

Tip: Instead of clicking on links from emails, social media ads, or text messages, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser. Look for secure websites with “https” in the address bar.

Order Confirmation Scams

During Black Friday, online orders can pile up quickly. Scammers exploit this by sending fake order confirmation emails. These messages often contain links or attachments claiming to provide more details about your purchase.

Tip: Be cautious of unexpected confirmation emails. Verify the details by logging into your account on the retailer’s website instead of clicking on any links.

Bogus Delivery Alerts

Fake delivery issues were a huge problem last holiday season. Scammers send texts or emails claiming a package is being held due to incomplete shipping information. They’ll ask you to click a link to “update” your details, leading to phishing sites that steal your data.

Tip: If you receive a delivery alert, visit the shipping company’s official website or call their verified customer service number to confirm. Never provide personal information through unsolicited links.

Stay One Step Ahead of Scammers

The best way to protect yourself this holiday season is to remain cautious and proactive:

• Use trusted payment methods like credit cards, which often come with fraud protection.

• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for an added layer of security.

• Monitor your bank statements regularly to spot suspicious transactions early. You can also turn on transaction notifications in online banking or on your phone to get real time alerts when things are purchased. Early detection of unusual activity can help you mitigate potential financial losses and address security concerns promptly. Learn More!

Shopping smart doesn’t just mean getting the best deals—it means protecting yourself from scams that could ruin your holiday cheer. Stay vigilant and enjoy a secure shopping season!

Article content is provided for information purposes only.