Cybersecurity Tips for Holiday Shopping

As online shopping ramps up this holiday season, so do scams and phishing attacks. We’ve put together some cybersecurity tips to help you better navigate online shopping and stay safe this holiday season!

• Only Use Secure Websites: Check site addresses for misspellings or things that might appear off. Look for https:// in the URL and a padlock icon to ensure an encrypted connection. Be wary of any websites or links to websites mimicking popular shopping sites such as Amazon or Walmart.
• Deals Too Good To Be True Probably Are: If you see a deal offered at an extreme discount, that should raise a warning flag to double-check the website.
• Always Use a Secure Connection: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. A secure connection on your home Wi-Fi or through a trusted VPN will provide added security for your payment information.
• Beware of Donation Scams: Fraudsters know the holiday spirit can spark a feeling of generosity in shoppers. If you are prompted to make a charitable donation online, take the extra steps to ensure the place receiving your donation is legitimate. Do extra research and watch out for look-a-like names. Always donate through official channels and be skeptical of any urgents messages insisting you donate quickly.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid simple or repetitive passwords, and rather than using only a single word for your password try a passphrase. Password Managers are also a handy way to easily and securely track all of your passwords.
• Keep Your Devices and Apps Updated: Software updates often contain critical security updates to patch the newest vulnerabilities hackers can use to exploit your device or apps. Remember to confirm the update is coming directly from your mobile or app carrier before selecting – if it’s a pop up message, it’s probably fake.
• Enable Account Alerts and Two-Factor Authentication: Ensure your account alerts are turned on for your payment methods. You can also set card alerts to block specific transactions or spending limits on credit or debit cards. Use multi-factor authentication for your accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
• Track Packages Directly Through Merchants: Scammers often send fake delivery alerts that can look like real tracking updates. To stay safe, always check your package status directly through the retailer’s website or app. Avoid clicking on tracking links from unknown texts or emails.

Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville
Member FDIC