The holiday shopping season brings with it the excitement of finding perfect gifts for everyone on your list, but it’s also a peak time for fraud and scams. Keep yourself safe with these simple steps provided by Mastercard.
Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute – This lets you compare options at a relaxed pace and helps you make more confident decisions. Prices often go up right before big “sale” events to create the appearance of big discounts. Note the prices for items you’re interested in so that you know if you’re actually getting a deal when the sale begins.
Check Out Local Vendors – In-person shopping may not be top of mind, but it can be rewarding. It supports businesses in your community, helps you find more unique gifts and allows you to buy from people you know you can trust.
Stay Alert For Scams – Honest retailers still have to deal with the threat of fraudsters pretending to be them and sending phishing messages to get people’s private information disguised as order notifications and delivery messages. Here are a couple of things you can do:
- If you get a fake message from a local business, let them know. It helps them step up their cybersecurity to keep everyone safe.
- Ask retailers if they use protective measures, like Mastercard’s anti-fraud tools, which use artificial intelligence (AI) to spot and stop fraudulent transactions in real time. More fraudsters are using AI to enhance their scams, so AI-powered defence can be good protection.
Use secure payment options – For any online shopping, pay attention to how you are asked to pay. Look for HTTPS or a padlock icon in the URL, which indicates a secure connection. Stick to businesses that use safe, secure payment methods like major credit cards or mobile wallets. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out directly and ask the business how they’ll process your payment. Don’t complete any online transaction unless you’re confident it’s secure.
There’s a lot to watch out for during busy shopping times, but many businesses are taking steps to make the experience safe and easier. By practicing cyber safety, you can do your part, too.
The Ontario Provincial Police is also reminding residents to stay vigilant while out shopping and preparing for festivities.
Be sure to ‘Lock it or Lose It’. The holidays are a prime time for break-ins, so lock your home and vehicles even if you’re just stepping away briefly. Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t leave bags or personal items unattended in shopping carts or your vehicle. Always keep your purse or wallet close and secured. Park your vehicle in a well-lit area, especially if you are shopping after dark.
The OPP also advises the public to always shop from trusted websites only. Stick to well-known and reputable websites and don’t make financial transactions over public Wi-Fi networks. Use a secured connection or wait until you’re on a private network. Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when possible.
Monitor your packages’ delivery status and consider having them delivered to your workplace, a neighbour or another secure location if you’re not home to receive them. It prevents porch pirates from stealing your deliveries.
Sadly, scammers often use the holidays to try to solicit money for fake charities. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for donations. Always verify the authenticity of the message. NEVER share your personal or financial information. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
