Holiday shopping can be fun, yet stressful. Shopping from home can make light of the work. Before you start, read our tips to avoid online shopping scams this season.
Fraudsters are the ultimate Grinches. Unfortunately, our happiest and busiest times are when they make their best living. In 2023, the RCMP tracked more than 8,500 reports of fraud. Criminals are making fraud detection more challenging than ever. These six tips will help you foil their attempts.
1. Be Cautious When Opening Emails
If you follow our fraud posts, you know the simple steps to take when you get an unexpected email:
- Check the sender’s email address, not just their name. A company representative will never email from a non-corporate address.
- If you don’t recognize the sender, don’t open the email or any links. Delete it right away, as it’s likely a “phishing” scam.
- Only shop on sites you have searched for and opened directly. Don’t even trust emails from The Bay, Amazon, Canadian Tire or any other company you recognize.
2. Delivery Notices from Online Merchants
This year, we must be extra cautious when receiving messages with tracking codes or delivery instructions. With Canada Post on strike, scammers are doubling down on “phishing” emails. Keep a list of your online purchases, and if you don’t recognize a transaction, follow up with your credit card company or the seller right away. A trustworthy merchant won’t email you to request your credit card number, address or other confidential information.
If you are in doubt, phone or email the company to confirm. You can also track purchases through trusted sources by logging in directly to the delivery service’s website.
3. Use Traceable Payment Methods When Shopping Online
Don’t use e-transfers to purchase items online. If you bought items on fraudulent websites, your bank won’t be able to trace them to get your money back.
When you use your credit card on reputable websites, your credit card company’s fraud prevention AI software will likely catch the suspicious purchase and deny payment. Credit card insurance usually covers the cost of any fraud if it doesn’t identify the criminal activity.
For the same reason, be cautious when shopping on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and other online marketplaces. Insist on paying cash when you arrive to pick up the item.
4. Confirm Requests for Donations
In the season of giving, many of us like to donate a little extra to ensure other people are comfortable and warm during the holidays. But when a scammer calls or emails, your money will only warm the fraudster’s pocket.
Rather than responding to direct requests for donations, check the charity’s website to confirm its phone number and call to check on its donation campaigns.
5. Don’t Shop Online or Access Your Bank Account Using Public Wifi
It’s tempting to take a coffee break while shopping to order gifts online or check your bank balance. However, this is a big no-no: many public wifi connections are insecure.
Hackers can break into public wifi networks and access your personal information. Always do your transactions at home or another location with a secure connection.
6. Keep Passwords Safe
Use best practices for your passwords and consider changing them before holiday shopping. Other ways to protect your passwords:
- Use a unique password for each account, including at least 10 characters. Use a combination of capital and lowercase letters and special characters.
- Add multifactor verification to your accounts. The website will ask you to check your email or text message (your choice) for a one-time-use code to enter before the site opens. It’s a much safer way to guard your personal information.
Check Your Accounts Often When Holiday Shopping
Using your secure wifi connection at home, check your bank and credit card accounts frequently to ensure you can verify all transactions. Check them against your list (see #2) and your receipts.
Be Safe, Not Sorry, and Enjoy Your Holiday Season
We often have so much to do at this time of year, and internet security may feel like just one more chore. Try incorporating these safety tips into your usual online behaviour so they become part of the process, not extra work.
You deserve a safe and fun holiday season. Don’t let a fraudster be your Grinch!
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
