Online holiday shopping can be convenient. You can search for items from multiple vendors, compare prices with a few mouse clicks, and make purchases from your home. However, the internet is also convenient for thieves, giving them multiple ways to access your personal and financial information. Once they have your information, they can use it for their own financial gain by making purchases or by selling the information to someone else.
How an online scammer takes advantage of online shoppers
- Creating fraudulent websites and email messages
- Intercepting transactions from vendors that are not encrypted
- Targeting vulnerable and unprotected computers
How to protect yourself?
- Know your online merchants – before you shop, make sure the vendors are reputable and make sure the website is legitimate.
- Make sure your information is encrypted - Indications that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins with "https:" and a padlock icon.
- Don’t respond to emails asking for additional information – even purchase confirmations. Directly log on to authentic website.
- Use a credit card to limit your liability – further, you can minimize damage by using a single, low-limit credit card to make all your online purchases.
- Keep an eye on shopping apps – make sure you know what they do with your information and how they keep it secure. You are responsible for all charges made through a shopping app.
- Check bank and credit card accounts regularly – confirm purchases and look for unauthorized debits or charges. Report discrepancies immediately.
- Before you give any personal information – check the vendor’s privacy policies, return policies and online reviews.
By taking a few safety precautions, you can avoid the personal and financial heartache that comes from online related fraud. Let’s work together and keep the holidays merry. Learn more - Shopping Safely Online | CISA
Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Community Relations Manager, jodee.reyes@carlsbadca.gov
