How to stay safe shopping online this holiday season

 The Christmas season is upon us, and if you're like most customers, you'll be doing your shopping online throughout the 2021 season of giving. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when internet fraudsters look for new victims, which makes you think, is online shopping safe?

Online purchase frauds tend to ramp up when the temperature cools down, partially owing to the season's bustle of shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, the winter holidays are the busiest time for the retail business (NRF).

That suggests cybercriminals are also active during that period. According to a 2020 Experian research, one out of every four Americans has experienced identity theft or fraud during the Christmas season.

The good news is that you can take precautions to protect yourself, your gift fund, and your private details when Christmas shopping online.

Statistics and facts about online Christmas shopping

In November and December, shopping picks up, with many people exploring and purchasing on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. This seasonal e-commerce surge, along with Christmas diversions and stress, opens the door for financial fraudsters.

Here's a rundown of holiday shopping by the statistics, demonstrating why the season can be such a windfall for con artists wanting to make a quick buck:

• According to the NRF, shoppers spend roughly $1,000 on average over the holiday season.

• According to NRF holiday shopping figures, holiday sales increased 8.3 percent over the prior year in 2020, totaling more than $789 billion.

• According to NRF data, online and non-store sales increased by more than 23% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

• According to Experian, 24 percent of shoppers reported experiencing fraud during the holiday season.

• One in every five fraud victims said that the scam occurred when shopping online using a credit card.

Because identity thieves and hackers have so many possibilities throughout the holiday season, it's also a perfect time to be extra cautious when shopping for gifts for family and friends.

How to protect yourself during online holiday shopping and afterward

The holidays should be a joyous occasion in which you celebrate, feast, and spend time with friends and family. You want to be able to laugh while unwrapping gifts, not stressed out while attempting to investigate a case of financial fraud or identity theft.

Use these strategies to help remain secure before, during, and after shopping online this season to deter online fraudsters and identity thieves.

Where to shop for holiday gifts online

You never have to be stopped in traffic on your way to the mall, wait in lengthy lines, or listen to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" hundreds of times if you shop online.

However, shopping in person has one significant advantage: you know the business and inventory exist. Some fraudsters set up bogus online companies to obtain your credit card number or other private details on the internet.

To be safe and secure online shopping, consider doing online business only with businesses you know and have previously purchased.

Here are some more hints for selecting the best places to stay safe online shopping:

Don't fall for phony Christmas shopping advertisements or messaging

Scammers understand that a "special deal," frequently sent by a phishing email, may pique Christmas shoppers' interest. As a result, avoid clicking on links in messages or advertisements touting seasonal sales. This may infect your computer with malware or redirect you to a bogus shopping site. Delete the emails, avoid the adverts, and stay with merchants you know.

Keep an eye out for deals that appear to be "too good to be true."

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have become a holiday shopping ritual. However, if a website provides a deal that appears too good to be true, it most likely is. Compare the pricing and images of the product on competing sites. Low pricing might indicate that the firm is forgery or otherwise unscrupulous, such as selling counterfeit, stolen, or expired items. Remember that supply-chain issues in 2021 may make fraudulent "hot offers" extra appealing, as several popular commodities will be in limited supply.

Only shop on safe websites

Before you buy, look for the small lock icon in the corner of your URL bar, which indicates that the web page you're on is secure. A secure site's URL will begin with "HTTPS." These websites conceal whatever information you provide, usually on pages that request passwords or financial information.

Do you shop on your phone? Only use authorized store applications

Using just approved merchant applications will help you avoid dubious shopping apps packed with dangerous software or malware. These applications are used by criminals to infect cell phones to install malware or conduct fraud. Protect yourself by downloading merchant apps from trustworthy shops like Galaxy Apps, the App Store, Amazon App Store, and Google Play. Also, rather than relying on a deal or shopping app, look for bargains and sales on your own.

This holiday season, learn how to purchase safely online

It is vital to buy with the proper merchants, but it is also necessary to shop correctly. If you make a mistake here, a cybercriminal may be able to obtain your personal information and exploit it to embark on their shopping spree.

Here are some top tips for safe online shopping this holiday season.

• Make use of strong passwords as well as a password manager.

• With the added protection of a VPN, you can shop with confidence.

• Never make a transaction while using public Wi-Fi.

How to pay for holiday items online

Please take caution when it comes to paying for your Christmas items. Making a mistake here might expose you to financial fraud. A burglar may potentially gain access to your bank account in the worst-case scenario.

Take these easy precautions to be secure and keep your money where it belongs when shopping online.

• Use a credit card to make a payment.

• Alternatively, you might use a virtual credit card.

• Keep your credit card details off of your accounts.

• Consider utilizing Apple Pay or Google Pay as an extra layer of security.

How to ship your holiday purchases safely

When you complete your transaction, the danger of fraud does not cease. You must pay attention to shipment to ensure that the products arrive securely and avoid holiday inconveniences like filing shipping claims and police complaints.

Here are some pointers for properly mailing your online purchases, so you stay safe shopping online.

• Send them to a safe area.

• Be wary of bogus delivery frauds.

What to do once you've finished your holiday shopping

You've finally finished checking off the last name on your present list. You're all set to turn on the small white lights, get out the wrapping paper and bows, and have a joyous, fraud-free holiday.

But there is one more modest step you must take. After you've purchased gifts, check your bank and credit card accounts frequently for fraudulent transactions. Set up account alerts instead. When you receive a text or email regarding a charge, you may read it and likely recall if you recognized it and made the transaction.

Knowing you're doing all possible to practice safe Christmas internet shopping to l'oreal paris products online and more might let you relax and enjoy the season a little more.