When you can, it’s best to Shop Local and keep your money in the community, supporting the businesses that enrich our area for everyone. But when you need to buy a specific item online, you also need to be smart.
43% of identity theft victims reported that the theft happened while they were holiday shopping online. Now that you know you’re a top target for cybercriminals, here’s what you can do to stay safe and secure while online shopping this holiday season.
Protect Your Devices
Keep your devices secure by conducting regular software updates, utilizing proper privacy settings, creating complex passwords and implementing multifactor authentication (if possible.)
Stay Private
Avoid online shopping while connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as this will make it easier for cybercriminals to access your device. Stick to a private, protected network.
Shop Smart
Only buy from trusted sources. Always check a vendor’s reviews to ensure they are reputable, and confirm that their website is legitimate (and encrypted) before shopping.
Be Wary of Scams
If you receive emails from unknown senders or digital ads offering holiday deals that seem too good to be true, these could be scams. Never respond to suspicious emails or click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
Use a Credit Card
Consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases, as the latter could give cybercriminals access to the entirety of your checking account funds rather than just your available credit.
Check Your Statements
Especially during the holidays, keep an eye on your bank statements to detect potentially fraudulent activity as quickly as possible.
So SHOP LOCAL and DINE LOCAL on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.Thanks for supporting our wonderful community!
