As the holiday season approaches and shoppers search for the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, Sparklight encourages everyone to stay alert and protect their personal information online. The more popular online shopping becomes, the more opportunities hackers have to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.
Here are a few simple tips to help you shop safely and confidently this season:
1. Think Before You Click
Scammers often send “phishing” emails or texts that appear to be from trusted retailers or service providers. These messages are designed to trick you into revealing account details or clicking on malicious links.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- A suspicious sender address or unusual email domain
- Misspellings or poor grammar throughout the message
- Requests for personal information or urgent calls to action
Never click on links in suspicious emails. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website by typing the address into your browser. And remember — if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is your first line of defense. Aim for 16–24 characters that are random, unique, and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid reusing passwords across multiple shopping sites — if one is compromised, all your accounts could be at risk. For extra protection, consider using a reputable password manager to securely store and generate passwords.
3. Check for HTTPS
Before entering any payment information, make sure the website address begins with https:// — the “s” stands for secure. This means your data is encrypted during transmission. If a site only uses http:// or you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, don’t enter sensitive details like your credit card number or home address.
4. Be Careful with Shopping Apps
Fake retail apps are another way scammers target shoppers. These apps often mimic real stores, complete with familiar logos and product listings, but are designed to steal your data or install malware on your device.
Only download apps from the company’s official website or verified app stores. Check reviews, app history, and spelling errors in descriptions — and avoid being the first to download a brand-new shopping app.
5. Stay Vigilant
Keep copies of your receipts, order confirmations, and tracking information, and monitor your credit card or bank activity regularly during the holidays. Quick detection is key to resolving unauthorized charges.
Shopping online should be convenient — not risky. By staying alert and following these simple precautions, you can enjoy a safer, more stress-free holiday season.
For more information about online safety, visit Sparklight’s Digital Education Center.