The holiday season is here! Between finding the perfect gifts, enjoying festive sales, and gathering with family and friends, there’s a lot to be excited about. But with so much online shopping happening, it’s also a peak time for scammers looking to catch holiday shoppers off guard. At Arrow Advisors, we want to make sure your holidays stay merry and scam-free! Here’s how you can shop safely and protect your finances this season. 

1. Watch Out for “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals

We all love a great bargain, especially during the holidays. But if an offer seems too amazing, it’s best to be cautions. Scammers use fake ads and low-prices to lure in shoppers. 

Stay Safe Tips:

• Stick to retailers you know and trust. 

• If you’re curious about a new online store, check out some reviews before purchasing. 

• And remember, if the deal seems unreal, it just might be! 

2. Look for Secure Payment Options

Using secure payment methods is an easy way to keep your information safe. Scammers often don’t have secure payment systems in place, which makes it easier for them to access your information. Reliable payment options include secure credit card portals or platforms like PayPal. 

Stay Safe Tips:

• Make sure the website URL starts with “https” — this means it’s secure. 

• Credit cards are usually safer than debit cards, as they often have extra fraud protection. 

• If a website only offers bank transfers or wire payments, it’s best to shop somewhere else!

3. Be on the Lookout for Phishing Emails & Texts

Around the holidays, inboxes tend to fill up with emails about “amazing” deals or urgent shipping notices. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of this by sending fake emails that lead to phishing sites. 

Stay Safe Tips:

• Always check the email sender and URL closely for any odd spellings or slight changes in the website address. 

• Don’t click on links from emails you weren’t expecting. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website to check your order details. 

• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for an added layer of security. 

4. Keep Personal Information Private 

Be caution if a site is asking for too much personal information. Details like your Social Security number or birthdate are almost never required for online shopping, and sharing them can increase your risk of identity theft. 

Stay Safe Tips: 

• Share only what’s necessary for your purchase. 

• Use unique passwords for each online account and consider a password manager to make it easier. 

• When shopping online, avoid using public Wi-Fi, as it’s less secure. 

5. Monitor Your Transactions Regularly 

Even with the best precautions, it’s a good habit to keep an eye on your accounts, especially during the busy shopping season. Regularly checking transactions will help you spot anything unusual and take action quickly. 

Stay Safe Tips:

• Sign up for alerts with your bank or card provider to get notified of any odd activity. 

• Save your receipts and order confirmations to make tracking easy. 

• Log into your accounts weekly during the holiday season to stay on top of your transactions. 

6. Double-Check Charities Before Donating

The holidays are a time for giving back, and scammers know this. Fake charities and suspicious crowdfunding pages may ask for donations. 

Stay Safe Tips:

• Use sites like Charity Navigator to confirm a charity’s legitimacy. 

• Donate directly on the charity’s official site, not through links or third-party sites. 

• Avoid sending donations through wire transfers if possible. 

Wrapping Up: Safe Shopping, Happier Holidays

At Arrow Advisors, we want you to have a stress-free holiday season! By following these simple tips, you can enjoy all the season’s festivities without worrying about scammers. And if you ever have questions about financial security or protecting your assets, we’re always here to help. 

Happy shopping from all of us at Arrow Advisors! Let’s make this holiday season bright and secure.