All the joy without the scams

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s also a time when many shop online to pick out the perfect gifts for family and friends. According to the Retail Council of Canada, the average Canadian is projected to spend $898 this holiday season, with 80% going towards gifts for others. Given the current economic climate, 52% will be hunting for sales and 66% will be prioritizing holiday sales and promotions.

With a keener eye to budget and finding good deals, it is even more important to be vigilant about online security, common threats and vulnerabilities. With some extra caution and basic security practices, you can get all the gifts on your list without giving scammers the gift of your personal or financial information.

Those pesky passwords

Passwords are always your first line of defense. During the holiday season, we are often buying from retailers that are either new to us or that we haven’t visited in a while. If you’re setting up new accounts or resetting passwords, follow the basic rules of password hygiene – always create unique, strong passwords for each account (a password manager is a great tool to help you keep track of your passwords and keep them safe). Using the same password on multiple sites can leave you exposed. If that password gets compromised, you are vulnerable on every site you’ve used it.

Choose security over convenience

Most online shopping sites give you the option of storing your payment information for faster checkout the next time you buy. Resist the urge for convenience and opt for security instead. Having your personal and payment details stored anywhere can leave you vulnerable if that retailer suffers a security breach. It takes a few extra seconds to type in your payment information each time you purchase – but those few seconds are nothing compared to the stress and inconvenience of online fraud.

Phish, smish – be cautious before you click

It’s a hectic time of year, and you’re getting a lot of extra email and texts with charitable requests, sales announcements and promotions. Scammers take advantage of the season rush and your distracted focus. Before you click on any link, read and review carefully. Is it something you’re expecting? Is it from a company you know and do business with often? Does it resemble other communications you’ve received? If it looks suspicious in any way – questionable content, spelling mistakes, off brand design or a too-good-to-be true offer – don’t click.

Don’t fall for the fakes

You’ll likely be getting a lot of notices – by email, text and social media – about great deals and special offers. Be wary of the fakes. When you click, you could unknowingly infect your device with a virus or malware. Or you could think you’re purchasing the best gift for your friend online, only to realize later the legitimate website was spoofed, and you’ve just contributed to a scammer’s spoils. Fake philanthropy also abounds at this time of year. Scammers mimicking legitimate charities cheat people out of dollars meant for worthy causes. With any deal, offer or request for support, verify accuracy. Do your research. Visit the retailer’s site to see if the deal is real. The Canada Revenue Agency also has a tool to confirm the legitimacy of charitable organizations.

By following simple security practices and exercising caution, you can confidently give gifts and contribute to the causes you care about this holiday season without the worry of being scammed.

Wishing you a happy, safe and digitally secure holiday season!