Cyber Tips

As you shop this holiday season, know that cyber thieves will be shopping too – for unsuspecting victims to lure into their scams. To protect yourself:

Buy direct. An email or social media post with a link to that must-have purchase might be appealing, but phishing scams increase significantly during peak shopping seasons. You will be safer if you go directly to a retailer’s website to make your purchase instead of clicking on a link in an email or on social media. This is true for text messages too. Never click a link in a text message from an unknown number.

Use credit instead of debit for online shopping. Protect your checking account and avoid using debit cards for online purchases. Use your credit card instead, which has higher levels of fraud protection built in.

Use a secure connection. If ordering online, look for a padlock icon in the address bar. This means the site is secure. And make sure the website URL begins with “HTTPS” indicating the retailer encrypts information sent between your device and their network.

Avoid public Wi-Fi. If you are out shopping and need online access, make sure you use a secure network. If using public Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop, avoid entering personal information like payment card numbers or login credentials into any form on a website.

Check your account statements regularly. Be diligent and monitor your accounts for fraud. Immediately report any unauthorized or suspicious transactions to the appropriate financial institution or card company.