Deck the Halls with Safety, Not Scams

In-Store Shopping

1. Only bring the debit and credit cards you need with you. Leave the rest at home.
2. When entering your PIN at checkout, use your hand or body to shield the keypad from prying eyes. This simple step can help deter potential thieves who might be using hidden cameras or other devices to capture your sensitive information.
3. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.
4. Be aware of people around you, especially those who seem overly interested in your belongings or who are acting suspiciously.
5. Use a mobile wallet to pay with your phone. It's safer than using a physical card, as it protects your card information from potential skimming devices.

Online shopping

1. Use only credible sites when shopping online. Look for "https://" in the URL and the security padlock icon in your browser's address bar to verify a site's security. If a site seems fishy, it probably is.
2. Invest in anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Be sure to keep it current.
3. Conduct your online shopping at home or another secure location, not using public Wi-Fi.
4. Change your passwords and PINs often.
5. Save email confirmations from your online orders. If one appears you don’t recognize, or if the site promises one that you never receive, that’s a red flag.
6. Track your packages. And do your best to ensure they don’t sit on your doorstep for longer than necessary.
7. If you receive a notification about a package delivery you didn't expect, be cautious. Scammers may use these notifications to trick you into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. Verify the sender's legitimacy and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
8. Get educated. Learn the various ways that your security can be compromised. Visit our Fraud & Security page to learn about farcing, phishing, vishing, pharming and more.

Fake Travel Sites

1. Be wary of websites with unusual domain extensions or misspellings.
2. Avoid sites that only accept unusual or untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
3. Double-check the website's URL and look for reviews from other travelers.
4. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or links, as they may lead to phishing scams.
5. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

Of course, no matter how you shop, it’s always a good idea to check your accounts regularly, turn on account transaction alerts, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Remember these tips and you—not a thief—will be enjoying your holiday shopping efforts.