’Tis the season for festivities – and unfortunately, thieves. With Black Friday and holiday shopping in full swing, pickpockets (both physical and digital) ramp up their efforts. Whether you’re walking through your favorite shopping center or scrolling online at lightning speed, staying secure should be part of your holiday checklist.
Here are a few smart tips to help keep your shopping safe this season:
- Protect Your Wallet
- Gentlemen: Carry your wallet and valuables in your front pocket to make them harder to remove. If your wallet is bulky, consider a slim wallet or a money clip to reduce your risk.
- Ladies: Use a purse with a secure zipper or clasp and wear it across your body with the bag resting in front of you to prevent snatch-and-grab theft.
- Prevent RFID Skimming
Thieves can electronically scan and steal credit card information just by standing near you. Check if your wallet has built-in RFID protection. If not, use RFID-blocking card sleeves to shield your cards.
- Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards
Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards and don’t directly link to your bank account. If your information is compromised, it’s often easier to recover your money.
If you must use a debit card, treat it like a credit card and avoid using your PIN whenever possible.
- Shop Only on Trusted Websites
Scammers often create fake storefronts to steal payment information. Always check for https:// at the beginning of the website URL before entering any sensitive details. Stick to well-known retailers or ones you personally trust.
- Keep Devices Updated
Both Apple and Android regularly release security updates that patch vulnerabilities. Make sure your phone, computer, and apps (especially shopping apps like Amazon and eBay) stay updated to the latest version.
- Stay Cyber Aware
Cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever. Always:
- Verify website URLs and email sender addresses
- Never share passwords or banking info through email, text, or unsecured forms
- Avoid clicking links from unknown senders
- Remember: legitimate financial or peer-to-peer payment services will never ask you to send money just to “verify” your account
If something feels off, trust your instincts.
- Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access. Common mistakes include:
- Using the same password across multiple sites
- Keeping the same password for years
- Using personal info like birthdays or children’s names
A strong password should be at least 14 characters, include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and be unique for every account. Consider using a password manager like LastPass to store and generate secure passwords safely.
For added protection, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Recognize and Avoid Online Scammers
Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and neighborhood apps can offer great deals, but they’re also common places for scams.
Watch for red flags like:
- Brand-new profiles with little activity
- Stock or generic photos
- Pressure to act fast
- Requests for unusual payment methods
Always review the seller’s profile, look for shared connections, and trust your gut. If meeting in person, choose a public, well-lit location and bring a friend along. Take screenshots of suspicious messages, report the account, and block them.
Following these best practices can help ensure your holidays aren’t derailed by fraud or identity theft. Safe shopping starts with awareness – because when it comes to hackers and thieves, opportunity is everything.
Stay alert. Stay protected. And enjoy your holiday shopping.