The holiday season brings festive cheer—and unfortunately, an increase in scams and fraud. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it’s important to protect yourself and your finances wherever you shop, whether in store or online.
Check out this video from GLCU President and CEO, Steve Bugg, to learn more about how to stay safe while shopping this holiday season:
Read on to learn some safety tips to help keep yourself and your wallet secure this year.
- Safeguard Your Personal Information
Only provide personal and payment information on official, secure websites. Look for “https” in the web address and a lock symbol in your browser. Avoid clicking links in emails or texts. Instead, navigate directly to the retailer’s site or use official apps.
- Strengthen Your Online Security
Another way to protect yourself while shopping is to ensure that your accounts and devices are secure.
Here are some online security tips:
- Use complex passwords that are unique across sites and consider a password manager.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on accounts when available.
- Keep your devices and browsers up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. If you have to use a public network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to safeguard your browsing activity.
- Watch Out for Scams and Phishing
Scammers are always coming up with new ways to steal your money and personal information. Be wary of:
- Unsolicited emails, texts, or ads promising deals that are too good to be true.
- Requests for information from retailers or charities you don’t recognize.
- Pop-ups that urge you to act quickly or provide sensitive information.
4. Saving and Managing Your Card Info
There are extra layers of security you can take advantage of when shopping.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for an extra layer of security.
- Set up spending alerts and regularly monitor transaction activity via online or mobile banking.
- Temporarily lock your card if you notice suspicious activity.
The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.