Online Safety for the Holidays: Protect Yourself from Scams

By Brian Marshall

The holiday season is here, and millions of shoppers are heading online to find the best deals. Online shopping is convenient, but in today’s tech-driven world, it’s important to be cautious before clicking links or entering personal and financial information. I want to discuss this online safety.

I recently sat down with Amanda Post on Erie News Now to chat about holiday shopping safety specifically for shoppers in Erie, PA, and I want to share some key tips to help you shop securely this season.

Phishing emails are particularly common, especially in holiday-scams often appearing to come from well-known retailers with urgent messages about “order problems” or “exclusive deals.” Clicking on these emails can lead to fake websites that steal passwords and payment information. When scrolling through your email inbox around the holidays, make sure you review the validity of the sender and the content before clicking on any suspicious links.

Fake shopping websites are another major threat. Scammers create sites that mimic legitimate stores and advertise them through social media or search engines.

These sites often look authentic, but once you enter your credit card information, your money is gone with little chance of recovery. Similarly, some apps or browser extensions that promise discounts or shopping assistance can secretly track your activity or install malware on your devices.

This year, AI-powered shopping tools from companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Google are adding a new layer of convenience. These tools can offer personalized product recommendations, track prices, and even place orders through unscripted conversations.

While helpful, AI assistants are not foolproof. They can be misled by fake products or fraudulent websites, so it’s important to combine the convenience of these tools with a careful approach to online safety.

How to Shop Safely Online

Staying safe online comes down to awareness and vigilance. Stick to trusted retailers, verify deals directly on official websites, use strong and unique passwords, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. Keeping your devices updated and avoiding purchases over unsecured public Wi-Fi also adds an extra layer of protection. With a little preparation and caution, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without worrying about scams.

Get Connected with VNET

Our team of experts is ready to help you and your family stay safe and secure online. Whether you’re interested in learning more about parental controls, securing your devices, or have any IT tech questions, our team can guide you through best practices.

Contact VNET today at vnet.us

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