Your Guide to Safe Online Shopping During the Holidays

Introduction

Online shopping during the holidays can be exciting—but it also comes with risks. Scammers are always looking for opportunities to deceive shoppers with fake websites, phishing emails, and data theft tactics. To protect your personal and financial information, you must take extra precautions when browsing for the perfect gift. Follow this guide to shop safely and securely online while keeping your credit and account information safe.

1. Research Online Businesses Before Buying

Before making a purchase from a new online store, always verify its credibility. Scammers can create fake websites that look legitimate, but a little research can expose red flags.

Here’s how to vet online businesses:

• Check reviews and ratings. Search for feedback from past customers. Websites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are good starting points.
• Look for poor grammar or spelling errors. Fraudulent websites often have noticeable language mistakes.
• Verify contact details. Visit the “Contact Us” page and search for the company’s physical address and phone number. If multiple companies use the same address, it might be a scam.
• Check for social proof. Legitimate businesses usually have an active presence on social media with reviews and engagement.

By doing a little homework, you can avoid falling into the traps set by fraudulent online sellers.

2. Shop Only on Encrypted Websites

To ensure your payment and personal information are secure, only shop on encrypted websites. These websites use TLS encryption to protect your data, making it harder for scammers to intercept it.

Here’s what to look for:

• HTTPS in the URL. Encrypted websites start with “https” instead of “http.” The “s” stands for secure.
• Padlock icon. A closed padlock next to the URL indicates a secure website. Avoid shopping if the padlock is missing or appears elsewhere on the webpage.

Pro Tip: Fake websites sometimes display a padlock image to appear secure. If you see the padlock outside the address bar, leave the site immediately.

3. Double-Check the URL

Scammers often mimic real websites by creating URLs that look similar to reputable brands. For example, replacing an “o” with a “0” (zero) or adding an extra letter can deceive unsuspecting shoppers.

Before entering any payment information:

• Compare the URL spelling with the official brand website.
• Bookmark the real websites you frequently shop on.
• Avoid clicking on ads or links in unsolicited emails that redirect you to unknown sites.

Taking a moment to verify the URL can save you from giving your credit card information to scammers.

4. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information

When shopping online, only provide the information necessary to complete the purchase, such as your name, address, phone number, and payment details. If a website asks for sensitive information like your Social Security Number, bank account number, or driver’s license, consider this a major red flag.

Stay cautious if:

• A website requests unusual personal details.
• You are asked for verification codes or passwords outside of secure platforms.

Never provide more information than needed—legitimate businesses won’t ask for excessive personal data.

5. Monitor Your Statements Regularly

Make it a habit to check your transaction history, bank statements, and credit card activity. By staying on top of your purchases, you can quickly identify any unauthorized charges or suspicious transactions.

Here’s what to do:

• Set up transaction alerts. Many financial tools, including Ava Finance, offer real-time notifications for purchases made using your accounts.
• Report any discrepancies. If you notice a charge you don’t recognize, contact the business or your bank immediately to dispute the charge.

Being proactive helps you minimize damage from potential scams or identity theft.

6. Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Phishing is one of the most common ways scammers target online shoppers. These deceptive emails often mimic legitimate businesses and urge you to click on links or provide personal information.

Here are signs of a phishing email:

• Urgent requests to confirm a purchase or account information.
• Unusual grammar or spelling errors.
• Links directing you to unknown URLs.

What to do if you receive a suspicious email:

• Don’t click on any links or download attachments.
• Visit the company’s official website by typing its URL directly into your browser.
• Contact the brand’s customer service for clarification.

Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive information through email. Always approach these messages with caution.

7. Use Strong Passwords and Secure Payment Methods

To keep your information safe, follow these tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Consider a password manager for added security.
• Opt for secure payment methods. Credit cards, digital wallets like PayPal, or virtual debit cards offer extra layers of protection. Avoid wire transfers or payments through untraceable methods.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra security step when accessing accounts or making purchases.

By securing your accounts and payment methods, you reduce the risk of fraud or identity theft.

8. Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often lack security, making it easier for scammers to steal your information. If you’re shopping online while on public Wi-Fi:

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data.
• Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or entering payment information.
• Wait until you’re on a secure, private network to complete your purchases.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself and Your Credit During Online Shopping

Holiday shopping should be enjoyable, not stressful. By following these tips—like verifying websites, using encrypted connections, and monitoring your transactions—you can shop with confidence and protect your personal and financial information.

Your credit is one of your most valuable assets, and Ava Finance is here to help you strengthen and protect it. With Ava’s credit-building tools, you can boost your credit score while enjoying the confidence that comes with secure financial solutions. Build your credit, stay secure, and navigate the holiday shopping season with ease—all with Ava Finance by your side.