Shop securely and confidently this holiday season with these essential online shopping tips.
Online shopping during the holidays is incredibly convenient—you can browse, compare, and buy gifts without ever leaving the couch. But it also comes with risks. According to the FTC*, online shopping scams were the second most-reported type of fraud in 2024. A few simple habits can make your online shopping experience safer and much more stress-free.
Shop with Reputable Companies
- Research the product and seller and check for reviews from multiple sources. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau’s tips for spotting fake reviews.
- Look for “https” in the URL (the extra s stands for “secure”) and a small lock icon🔒in the address bar. This icon indicates a secure connection, shielding your data from prying eyes.
- Scammers love sending fake “exclusive deals” or “order confirmations.” Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads and go directly to the retailer’s website by typing in the URL into the address bar.
- Criminals often target your personal data, not just your payment info. Websites may ask you to complete surveys or forms in exchange for discounts or other incentives. Remain vigilant of what data you provide, to whom, and for what purpose.
- Protect your identity with strong, unique passwords and turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Store your credentials securely in a password manager.
- Keep your devices up to date to ensure security and protect against malware.
Use Secure Payment Methods
- A credit card protects the money in your bank account and gives you added protections like Visa Purchase Alerts and ID Navigator powered by Norton LifeLock.
- If the seller asks you to pay using unusual methods, such as Zelle, gift card, money order, pre-paid money card, or wire transfer, it's likely a scam.
- Consider using digital wallets for an extra layer of security and a quicker checkout process.
- Turn on eAlerts to receive email or text notifications about account activity.
Trust Your Instincts
Trust your gut! It’s way better to skip a great deal than to get caught in a scam. Contact us right away with any fraud concerns—we’re here to help keep your finances safe.
We will NEVER contact you by phone, email, or through social media channels to solicit confidential, personal, and/or account information. This includes Digital Banking credentials, personal identification numbers, one-time passwords, or debit or credit card information (expiration date or CVV number).
* Federal Trade Commission: February 9, 2025. New Data Shows FTC Received 2.6 million fraud reports from consumers in 2024.
IF YOU SUSPECT FRAUD
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam, let us know immediately so we can help you review your account and dispute any charges if needed. Also, report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Watch this video to learn more online shopping tips.
Magnifi Financial is committed to arming you with the necessary tools and information to protect yourself. Check out our fraud prevention resource page to learn more.
