Online Shopping and How to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Cyber Monday is here, and the holiday shopping season is in full swing! From can't-miss discounts to last-minute gift ideas, online retailers are pulling out all the stops to get shoppers clicking, adding to cart, and checking out.

And while there are plenty of legitimate deals to be found, scammers are hoping to cash in on the shopping frenzy, too. 

Fake storefronts, misleading advertisements, fraudulent delivery notifications, and suspicious payment requests can turn a great deal into an expensive mistake. 

Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, take a few minutes to brush up on these online shopping safety tips.

 

1. Look Beyond the Deal  

Who doesn't love a great Cyber Monday bargain? But if the price seems unbelievably low, it's worth taking a closer look. 

Scammers sometimes create convincing websites that imitate popular retailers or advertise in-demand products at prices designed to grab your attention. 

Before making a purchase: 

• • Double-check the website address. Look for misspellings, extra words, or unusual domain names.
  • Research unfamiliar retailers. Search for independent customer reviews and complaints.
  • Review store policies. Legitimate retailers should provide clear shipping, return, and contact information.
  • Compare prices. If an item costs significantly less than it does everywhere else, consider why. 

A polished website and professional product photos aren't guarantees that a retailer is legitimate.

 

2. Don't Let a Countdown Clock Rush You 

“ONLY 10 MINUTES LEFT!” 

“LAST CHANCE!” 

“ALMOST SOLD OUT!” 

Sound familiar? 

Limited-time promotions are everywhere during Cyber Monday. While many are legitimate marketing tactics, scammers also use urgency to encourage shoppers to make decisions without checking the details. 

Don't let a flashing countdown or an unbelievable discount pressure you into a purchase. 

If you discover a deal through a social media advertisement, email, or text message, consider visiting the retailer's official website directly rather than clicking the promotional link. 

A great deal should still hold up to a little scrutiny.

 

3. Pay Attention to How You Pay 

When you're ready to check out, your payment method matters. 

Credit cards generally offer important protections against unauthorized charges, and you may have additional options for disputing purchases that never arrive or aren't as described. 

For safer online shopping: 

• • Consider using a credit card when making online purchases. 
  • Avoid sellers who insist on gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or person-to-person payments.
  • Never send your card number or account information through email or text.
  • Double-check the total, shipping charges, and seller information before submitting payment.

Be especially cautious if a retailer asks you to complete a transaction outside its normal checkout process. 

 

4. Check the Checkout Page 

Before entering your payment information, take a quick look at the website itself. 

A secure checkout page should use https:// and display a secure connection indicator in your browser. 

This means information sent between your browser and the website is encrypted. However, it doesn't necessarily mean the business is trustworthy. Fraudulent websites can use secure connections, too. 

Whenever possible, shop using a trusted home network or cellular connection rather than public Wi-Fi. 

And if you're creating an account with a retailer, choose a strong, unique password instead of reusing one from another website.

 

5. Keep Track of Your Holiday Purchases 

Between Cyber Monday orders, holiday gifts, and everyday purchases, your transaction history can get busy in a hurry. 

That makes it especially important to keep an eye on your accounts. 

A few helpful habits include: 

• • Review your account activity regularly.
  • Enable available transaction alerts to help spot unexpected charges.
  • Save order confirmations and receipts until your purchases arrive.
  • Compare charges against your actual orders.
  • Report unfamiliar transactions to your financial institution promptly.

Staying organized can help you identify potential fraud before it becomes a bigger headache.

 

6. Don't Fall for Fake Delivery Updates 

Once the shopping is done, the packages start arriving. And unfortunately, that's another opportunity for scammers.

You might receive a text or email claiming: 

• • Your package couldn't be delivered.
  • Your shipping address needs to be updated.
  • A small additional fee is required.
  • Your delivery is being held until you provide more information.

These messages may include links to fraudulent websites designed to collect personal or payment information. 

If you're unsure whether a delivery notification is legitimate, skip the link and check your order directly through the retailer's website or the shipping company's official tracking page. 

 

Shop with Confidence This Holiday Season  

Cyber Monday deals can be exciting, but protecting your financial information is always worth a few extra moments. 

By researching unfamiliar retailers, resisting high-pressure offers, choosing safer payment methods, and monitoring your accounts, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while reducing your risk of fraud. 

At InRoads Credit Union, we're committed to helping our members protect their hard-earned money and make confident financial decisions. 

Here's to finding great gifts, scoring smart deals, and keeping the scammers off your shopping list!