How to Shop Online Safely This Holiday Season

Online shopping is a great convenience, especially during the busy holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Protecting your personal and financial information is more important than scoring a great deal. Continue reading to learn what steps to take to ensure a safe and stress-free shopping experience.

1. Shop on secure websites.

• Make sure the websites you're browsing have a URL that begins with "https://" and a padlock icon in your browser. This means that the site uses encryption to protect your personal information. 

2. Use strong passwords. 

• When creating accounts on shopping sites, use strong and unique passwords and avoid saving any financial information, such as your credit card, to your account. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts to minimize risk if a breach occurs.

3. Avoid using public Wi-Fi.

• Shopping on public Wi-Fi can expose your personal data to hackers. For added security, use a secure network or VPN.

4. Don't click links in unsolicited emails. 

• Be wary of emails with amazing deals or urgent requests. Scammers often use fake links to steal your information. Instead, go directly to the retailer's website by typing the address in your browser. 

5. Monitor your accounts. 

• Regularly check your bank statements and credit card transactions. If you notice unauthorized charges, report them immediately to your financial institution. 

6. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true.

• It could be a scam if an offer seems to be suspiciously cheap or unrealistic. Stick to reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar websites.

By staying cautious and following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while protecting yourself from fraud!

Need more tips on protecting your finances? Contact us at Education First Credit Union. We're here to help!