Holiday Shopping Scams on the Rise

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are warning consumers to stay alert this holiday season, as cybercriminals ramp up efforts to steal personal and financial information through fake deals, phishing emails and fraudulent websites. By recognizing the signs of a scam and shopping carefully, you can enjoy a holiday season full of treats.

Shop Safely This Holiday Season

Check for Encryption 

Your information should be encrypted as it’s transmitted to the merchant's server. Look in your browser’s address bar to make sure the website address begins with "https" instead of just "http." 

Google Chrome no longer uses a lock icon to indicate a secure connection. Instead, you can click the icon or indicator to the left of the address bar to view the site’s connection status. 

Choose Reputable Vendors 

Malicious websites can appear professional and convincing. Always verify a business before entering any personal or payment information. The Better Business Bureau allows you to check if a business is accredited, but shoppers should also research independently by reviewing customer feedback and investigating any complaints.

Consider using credit, not debit 

Credit cards usually offer better protection if someone makes fraudulent charges. With a debit card, stolen money comes directly from your bank account, which could leave you short on funds until the issue is resolved.

Check your accounts frequently 

During the holiday season, when people tend to make more purchases, it’s important to regularly check your credit card and bank accounts for suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized charges, contact your financial institution right away.

Monitor the shipping process 

Always request tracking numbers for items you purchase online so you can confirm that your order has been shipped and monitor its delivery. If you are selling products, be cautious of credit card purchases where the cardholder’s billing address does not match the shipping address, and always obtain the cardholder’s authorization before sending any items. 

Scammers frequently exploit busy shopping seasons through schemes such as non-delivery scams, where buyers pay for items that never arrive, and non-payment scams, where sellers ship goods but never receive payment. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) 2023 report, these types of scams cost consumers more than $309 million that year.

Verify Before You Buy 

Scammers often create fake websites or online listings that imitate well-known retailers, luring shoppers with prices that seem too good to be true. To stay safe, always visit the retailer’s official website or app directly instead of clicking on links in emails, texts, or online ads.

Additionally, phishing emails related to deliveries or payments tend to surge during the holiday season. It’s important to review any unexpected messages carefully to confirm they come from a legitimate source and are connected to a purchase you actually made.

Practice Safe Computing 

The best defense against scams is awareness. Keep your devices updated, use strong and unique passwords and trust your instincts. If a deal or message seems suspicious, it probably is.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, the Department of Information Technology reminds the Seton Hall community to remain vigilant and continue practicing safe computing habits throughout the year. 

Categories: Science and Technology