As the holiday season approaches, shoppers are being warned to exercise caution while purchasing gifts online, with scammers actively seeking opportunities to exploit unsuspecting victims.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly when shopping on unfamiliar websites or responding to unsolicited offers. Shoppers are advised to be wary of deals that appear too good to be true, as these may be traps designed to steal personal information or funds.

Here are some tips to avoid giving the wrong person a Christmas gift:

Shop from reputable websites: Stick to well-known retailers and ensure the website uses secure payment methods. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser bar before entering payment details.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Be cautious of emails or social media ads offering steep discounts. Always navigate to official websites manually rather than clicking links.

Monitor your financial statements: Regularly check bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

Use strong passwords: Protect your online accounts with unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Consumers are also encouraged to report any fraudulent activity to local law enforcement or cybersecurity agencies to prevent further incidents.

With these precautions in place, shoppers can focus on spreading holiday cheer while keeping scammers at bay.

Stay safe and enjoy a festive, fraud-free season!