It's time to prepare! During the holiday season, identity theft and cyberattacks tend to rise significantly. According to the FBI, cyberattacks increase by 60% during the holiday season. It is essential to be prepared to protect your financial well-being. To keep the holiday season joyful and not stressful, we wanted to share our top tips on safeguarding your financial accounts before the hustle and bustle of the season begins.
Shop from Reputable Websites: Stick to well-known and trusted online retailers. Look for websites with "https://" in the URL, which indicates a secure connection.
Be Cautious of Scams: Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, social posts & messages, especially those with enticing offers or discounts. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Double-check the legitimacy of discounts and deals. If an offer seems too good to be true, it might be a scam. Cybercriminals create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers. Always double-check the web address for accuracy.
Use a Credit Card, Not a Debit Card: Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. You're not held responsible for unauthorized charges if your credit card information is compromised. Plus, if you are hit with fraud, it's easier to recover the funds in the short term.
Monitor Your Statements: Regularly review your credit card and bank statements for suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Report any discrepancies immediately. Catching things quickly can avoid more significant fraud issues, especially if your shopping account or payment method is compromised.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure if you shop while on the go. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.
Avoid Saving Payment Information: While saving your payment information on shopping websites can be convenient, consider entering it manually each time for added security. Additionally, you can use secure payment methods such as PayPal and Apple Pay, which can add an extra layer of protection to your transactions by not exposing your credit card details. Your financial well-being is our top priority, and we encourage you to take these precautions during this holiday season and throughout the year. If you have any questions or need further guidance on protecting your finances from cyber threats, please don't hesitate to contact us. We wish you a safe and joyful holiday season! |
