Shopping is now easier than ever. You can find pretty much anything you’re looking for online, often with free shipping. Unfortunately, it is also easier than ever for cyber-criminals to trick shoppers into online scams. Stay safe while shopping this year by following the tips below.
- Stick with big name and reputable retailers. During the holiday season, you may see deals for popular products on “third-party” websites. While those deals may be enticing, it’s best to order directly from reputable retail sites instead.
- Only shop on secure websites. Criminals often create fake websites with too-good-to-be-true deals, trying to lure consumers into giving away their credit card and other personal information.
- Be vigilant. Holiday scams aren’t always obvious. While time-sensitive deals can make holiday shopping frantic, try to take your time while sifting through deals online to make sure you don’t engage with any suspicious links or websites.
- Use credit instead of debit cards. If your card information is compromised, it will be easier to sort out with your bank and get your money back if it’s a credit account instead of debit.
Stay safe, and happy shopping!
This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
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