How to protect yourself from this year’s online shopping scams

'Tis the season for spreading joy, cherishing family moments, and, unfortunately, dealing with scams. As the online sales frenzy of Cyber Week approaches, gear up with confidence to outsmart those scammers. I've partnered with Norton Security to bring you tips for a secure online shopping experience. Make sure to share these tips with everyone on your list.

Smart shopping starts with sticking to trusted sites, double-checking URLs, and being wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. Only provide as much information as needed—legitimate websites ask for just what's necessary for the transaction and shipment.

When shopping on mobile, use retailer apps for added security. Check store details, ratings, and reviews to create a worry-free gift list.

Opt for credit cards instead of debit cards for enhanced fraud protection. Steer clear of unusual payment methods and protect yourself by securing your device and passwords. Update and differentiate your passwords for each site, and consider using a password manager like Norton Password Manager.

Watch out for porch pirates by staying alert to phishing scams related to deliveries. Report suspicious messages, label your packages uniquely, and safeguard your goodies.

Click wisely with Norton Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to verify deals instead of clicking on unsolicited emails. Ignore "phishy" confirmation emails.

For gift card safety, buy directly from retailers to avoid tampering. Don't risk it with cards from retail racks. #SafeShopping #HolidayTips

Additional Tips:

  • Check that the URL is correct to avoid falling into the trap of similar-looking websites.

  • Be cautious of shortened URLs; manually enter the website address to avoid potential scams.

  • Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi to ensure better security; consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection.

  • Use tools like Norton to identify suspicious webpages and protect yourself from scams.

  • Regularly monitor your bank statements to quickly catch any suspicious transactions and respond promptly. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday shopping! 🎁🛒✨