FDIC Digital Sign, using the official FDIC wordmark. This digital sign indicates the deposit institution is backed by the full faith and credit of the US government.

Shop Smart and Secure This Holiday Season

  1. Home /
  2. Learning Center /
  3. Our Blog /
  4. Shop Smart and Secure This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity and-let’s be honest with ourselves- a little retail therapy. With online shopping being more popular than ever, it’s crucial to protect yourself from cyber grinches looking to steal your data or scam you out of your hard-earned money. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or snagging a seasonal deal, here’s a few HOLIDAY tips to keep your shopping merry and secure.

Handle Shopping with Trusted Retailers

  • Stick with well-known websites or brands with solid reputations. If you’re exploring a new site, be sure to read through the return policy as well as the term and conditions.
  • As common as they are, try to avoid clicking on links through Facebook or pop-up ads while browsing online.

Only Believe Realistic Deals

  • If a discount looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of dramatic markdowns, unfamiliar social media ads, and urgent “limited time” offers.
  • Always verify deals through official retailer websites.

Look Over Your Accounts Often

  • Check your bank accounts and credit card statements regularly during the holidays. Set up alerts for unusual activity so you can respond quickly if something seems off.

Internet Safety on Public Wi-Fi

  • Avoid shopping while connected to public wi-fi. If you must, use a VPN to encrypt your data and keep prying eyes away.

Donate Wisely to Charities

  • The holidays are a popular time to donate to your favorite charities but be cautious, scammers often mimic the names and logos of well-known organizations. When giving this season visit the charities official website rather than clicking on a link through an email or social media post.
  • Your kindness deserves to make a real impact, not line a scammer’s pocket.

Avoid Delivery Scams

  • The holidays are a busy time for delivery services and scammers take advantage of that. They will often send notifications claiming a package is delayed or payment needs to be updated.
  • Legitimate delivery services will not ask you to update payments or ask for sensitive information via text or email.
  • If you are expecting a package and are unsure if a message is real, contact the delivery company directly through their verified website or phone number.

Your Gift Cards Should Be Gifts

  • We’ve said it before, let’s say it together; “GIFT CARDS ARE FOR GIFTS!”

The holidays should be about giving, not being taken advantage of. By following these tips, you can shop with confidence and keep your season bright and scam free!

Top