written by
Eddie Farrell
January 2, 2024
As the festive season fades into the rearview mirror, the allure of online shopping deals and the convenience of avoiding crowded stores persist. Yet, the echoes of cyber threats continue to resonate, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance even after the holiday rush.
Every year, leading up to the holidays, and shortly thereafter, there are lots of online resources that provide summaries of the attacks online merchants saw during the seasonal rushes. These can be powerful resources for shoppers. Let’s talk through some of the trends we saw while researching recently.
The 2023 Visa Security Alert highlighted various fraud schemes expected during the holiday shopping period and our Fraud Prevention team saw many of these in action this year. Pairing this knowledge with tips for staying safe online during the holidays provides a robust foundation for fortifying your online shopping experiences year-round.
Understanding the Landscape
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, it’s essential to remain wary of deals that appear too good to be true. Scams often lurk behind enticing discounts, especially on third-party/marketplace seller platforms like Amazon or eBay. Researching sellers’ history and customer reviews can help discern between legitimate businesses and potential scams.
Navigating the Cyber Terrain
When engaging with promotional emails or offers, exercising caution is paramount. Instead of clicking on uncertain links, directly type in the URL. Avoiding public Wi-Fi for online shopping purposes and utilizing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can enhance your security while making online purchases.
Ensuring Online Safety Measures
Validating the legitimacy of a website is crucial. Look for the padlock symbol and “HTTPS” in the URL, indicative of encryption to protect your data. Never save sensitive information in your browser and consider utilizing private browsing features or guest checkouts when shopping online.
Password Hygiene and Device Updates
Cybersecurity basics, such as strong, unique passwords for each site and regular device updates, serve as robust shields against potential threats. Multi-factor authentication and password managers can enhance security while simplifying password management.
Optimal Payment Practices
When online shopping, opting for credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal offers an added layer of protection compared to debit cards. Credit card companies provide better recourse in case of fraudulent charges, reducing liability and offering swift resolution.
Monitoring and Proactive Measures
Regularly reviewing statements, promptly disputing unauthorized charges, and checking credit reports are integral practices in maintaining financial security. Timely action upon spotting irregularities can mitigate potential losses and prevent prolonged disputes.
Incorporating these strategies into your online shopping habits beyond the holiday season can bolster your financial security significantly.
By adopting a proactive stance, you not only protect your personal and financial information but can also navigate the digital shopping landscape with confidence. Let’s make 2024 a year of secure and worry-free shopping experiences, safeguarding our finances and ensuring a prosperous future.
written by
Eddie Farrell
January 2, 2024
written by
Eddie Farrell
January 2, 2024
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Eddie Farrell
Eddie Farrell has been one of the Fraud Team Leaders for over 7 years. He enjoys inspiring his team members to rise above the status quo, he loves collaboration and creativity in problem solving, and he’s always willing to have a conversation about video games, board games or why he didn’t think the last season of Game of Thrones was all that bad. He enjoys physical fitness, carpentry projects and has a 9 year old Norwegian Elkhound that barks more than any other dog on planet Earth.
