Online shopping scams continue to rise, especially during the holiday season when website traffic is at its peak. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, 73% of Americans have experienced an online scam, and nearly a third of those incidents occurred within the past year alone. Among the most common forms of fraud, ”36% say they purchased an item online that never arrived or was counterfeit and it was not refunded”.
With the surge in cyber attacks, we hope the campus community can continue to stay vigilant. Three common ways that attackers take advantage of online shoppers are:
- Creating fraudulent sites and email messages
- Intercepting insecure transactions
- Targeting vulnerable computers
Cybercriminals exploit the convenience of online shopping with tactics like fake websites, phishing emails, and compromised devices. Fortunately, following a few simple precautions can help you shop safely and securely this season.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping:
- Shop Only on Reliable Websites: Use trusted retailers by typing their URLs directly into your browser. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or deals that seem too good to be true. Check reviews and verify website details like phone numbers and mailing addresses. If it looks suspicious, avoid it.
- Watch Out for Fake Reviews: Scammers will flood their fraudulent websites with fake reviews in an attempt to gain the trust of online shoppers. Be cautious of reviews that sound overly generic, seem excessively positive or negative, or are posted by accounts with impersonal profiles.
- Beware of Seasonal Scams: Look out for fake package tracking emails, gift card offers, or donation requests. Delete any unexpected or suspicious emails. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, even if they seem familiar.
- Pay Safe: Never purchase from a vendor that requires you pay with a gift card, prepaid card, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods. You should never wire money for an online purchase. If possible, opt for credit cards since they have stronger protections than debit cards.
- Know How Much an Item Costs: Know the typical price range of the items you want. This helps you compare deals and spot suspiciously low prices. A quick price check can save you from trouble.
- Prioritize Safe Transactions: Look for "https://" in the browser before entering payment details. Never auto-save sensitive information in your browser or apps.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and set up text alerts for unusual transactions. Review your credit report annually for discrepancies.
- Be Aware of Pop-Ups: Ignore pop-ups offering deals or anti-virus software, they’re often scams.
Being vigilant about potential scams is the best way to protect yourself while shopping online this holiday season. Beyond these foundational precautions, adopting additional best practices can further enhance your digital security and safeguard sensitive information.
Additional Best Practices:
- Use Strong Passwords for All Devices and Accounts
- Avoid Sharing Financial Information via Email or Text
- Use Apps Only from Trusted Sources
- Disable Bluetooth, Wireless, and NFC When Not in Use
- Do not use public computers to make online purchases
By following these steps, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while keeping your personal information secure. Stay safe this holiday season!