How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams During the Holidays

The holiday season is prime time for deals and unfortunately, scams too. As you begin to hop online to snag gifts, book travel and chase down discounts, scammers are gearing up to take advantage of festive spending. But don’t worry—by staying alert and informed, you can shop smart and stay safe.

Here are some of the most common online scams to watch for, and how to protect yourself:

1. Fake Retail Websites and Apps

Scammers are pros at mimicking popular shopping sites. You think you’re ordering from your favorite brand — only to find out later that the site was a well-disguised fake. You lose your money and never see your purchase. Even worse, some apps are loaded with malware that can lock your phone or steal your personal data once downloaded. If an app asks for strange permissions like access to your contacts, messages or saved passwords — stay away.

Tip: Stick to trusted sources; download apps only from official websites or well-known app stores. And, if a site or app is full of typos or poor grammar, that’s a big red flag.

2. Suspicious Email Links

Scammers love to send emails that look like they’re from real stores or banks, offering exclusive deals or package delivery updates. When you click a link, you’re taken to a fake site — or worse, malware gets installed on your device.

Tip: Don’t click on links or download attachments in emails unless you’re 100% sure who sent them. Be wary of deals that sound too good to be true because they usually are.

3. Unsafe Payment Sites

Before you enter your credit card details, take a quick look at the website address. If it starts with “https” and has a little padlock icon, you’re good. If it’s missing the “s” (just “http”) — or looks sketchy — don’t enter your payment info.

Also, be aware of random pop-ups asking for your credit card in exchange for discounts or giveaways. Legit retailers don’t operate that way.

4. Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

We’ve all been tempted to shop on-the-go while sipping coffee at a café or waiting at the airport. However, public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, which makes it easy for hackers to snoop on what you’re doing.

Tip: Avoid logging into financial accounts or entering sensitive info when you’re on public Wi-Fi. If you must browse, make sure the site uses https encryption.

5. Package Delivery Scams

This one’s sneaky. You get a call, text or email claiming you missed a package delivery, and they just need a little info to confirm delivery. The delivery driver may even claim to be from the USPS or a major shipping company. Here’s the truth: legit delivery services don’t ask for personal info over the phone or via email. It’s a scam to steal your identity.

Tip: If in doubt, contact the shipping company directly using their official website, not links provided in a message.

Tips to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

Follow these tips to shop stress-free this holiday season:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
• Download apps only from trusted sources, like official website or reputable app stores.
• Look for “https” and the padlock icon before entering payment info.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for added account security.
• Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for suspicious activity.
• Sign up for account alerts to get notified of unusual logins or purchases.

The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress over stolen data or fraudulent charges. By staying cautious and knowing the signs of a scam, you can protect yourself and your wallet.

Source: FDIC