The festive season is in full swing, and as people shop online for gifts and holiday goodies, it’s also the time when online scams are on the rise.

Criminals are taking advantage of the excitement of holiday shopping to trick people into losing their hard-earned money through deceptive methods, including fake websites, phishing emails, and gift card scams.

To help safeguard your finances and ensure a scam-free shopping experience, here are some simple but effective tips:

Verify Websites Before Making a Purchase

Fake websites are a common tool used by fraudsters to deceive customers. Always ensure that the website is secure by checking for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser bar.

Before buying from a new website, check reviews and ratings to verify its legitimacy. Be cautious of social media pages that advertise products, as these may also be fraudulent. Always verify the physical address, business registration, and contact details.

If in doubt, opt for cash on delivery to reduce the risk of losing money upfront.

Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure customers with heavily discounted prices on high-demand products, hoping to attract impulsive buyers.
Always do your research before purchasing. Don’t be rushed into making a hasty decision, especially when the price of an item seems unusually low.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid using wire transfers or any payment methods that don’t offer buyer protection. Always choose secure payment options like credit or debit cards or trusted platforms such as PayPal, which offer fraud protection services.

Be cautious if a seller asks for payment via unconventional methods like gift cards. This is a red flag for potential scams.

Monitor Your Shipping Process

Track the shipping of your purchased items closely. Legitimate sellers will provide tracking numbers as proof that your order has been shipped.

Be wary of sellers who do not provide tracking information or give unverifiable tracking numbers. This could indicate a scam, so keep an eye out for suspicious shipping activities.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from the growing risk of online fraud during the festive season and ensure a safe and happy holiday shopping experience. Always verify, trust your gut, and use secure payment methods to reduce the chances of falling victim to scammers.