As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of huge discounts and limited-time offers. But while the deals may be tempting, staying safe while shopping online is more important than ever. Cybercriminals know this is the busiest shopping time of the year, which means they are ready to take advantage of rushed shoppers who may not be paying close attention.
When browsing for deals, keep an eye out for anything that feels off. Warning signs include websites with misspellings in their URLs, checkout pages that do not show a secure lock symbol, unusual payment methods that ask for wire transfers or gift cards, or deals that seem dramatically cheaper than everywhere else. Also be cautious of ads or emails urging you to click links immediately, especially if the sender is unfamiliar or the message feels overly urgent.
Taking a moment to slow down and double-check a site’s legitimacy can save you from identity theft, stolen credit card information, or receiving counterfeit products. Always confirm that the retailer is reputable, avoid saving payment information on unfamiliar websites, and consider using virtual card numbers or payment platforms that provide extra layers of protection.