The holiday season is officially upon us, which means hot cocoa, festive playlists, and yes… online shopping marathons from the comfort of your couch. But while you’re hunting for the perfect gifts and scoring those Black Friday deals, cyber grinches are out there too, waiting to steal more than your holiday spirit.
At Rivercity Tech, we’re all about keeping things merry and secure. Here are a few quick, easy ways to shop smart online this season.
1. Stick to the Nice List (aka trusted websites)
If you’ve never heard of the site, and their deals look too good to be true, they probably are. Shop with well-known retailers or check for reviews before you buy. Look for “https://” in the URL and the little padlock icon in your browser. No lock? No shop.
2. Use secure payment methods
Avoid using debit cards online. Credit cards or trusted payment platforms like PayPal or Apple Pay offer better protection if something goes wrong. And never save your card details “for next time” unless it’s a site you truly trust.
3. Watch out for fake shipping updates
Scammers love sending fake “Your package couldn’t be delivered!” texts this time of year. Always check tracking links through the retailer’s official website, not through random messages or emails.
4. Update your devices and passwords
Give your devices a little love before the holiday rush. Install software updates, use strong passwords, and turn on multi-factor authentication where possible. It’s like wrapping your digital world in a cozy blanket of protection.
5. Don’t overshare online
We all love posting those “look what I got!” photos, but skip sharing order confirmations or travel plans publicly. Cybercriminals don’t need any extra clues to your whereabouts or purchases.
Online shopping should be fun, fast, and festive, not stressful. By following these simple steps, you’ll stay safe while checking everyone off your gift list.
From all of us at Rivercity Tech, happy (and secure) shopping! 🎄💻
Until next time, keep fit and have fun!
(TYYV) The Yada Yada Version:
Stay merry and scam-free this holiday season by shopping only on trusted sites, using secure payments, and yada yada yada keep your devices and personal info protected.
