SHARK BITES – Staying Secure During the Holiday Season
Happy Holidays!
I just wanted to take this time out to let you all know how very appreciative I am of your continued support and following/sharing of FreebieShark.com! Without you, I or it would not be as successful, or as much fun without YOU!!
I take pride in getting the best information on freebies and deals to you as efficiently as possible. I also like you all to be safe in your online browsing/shopping. I want to share some holiday tips, so that your orders, gifts and packages remain safe this an any season.
Online Security: This is definitely the time of season when scammers are online looking for debit/credit card purchases, because your bank is associated with your cards
- Online Retailers: make sure when you’re buying from a site that the web address reads https://{address}. The “s” means your site is “secure”. You should also notice a “padlock” next to the web address, which indicates your site is secure, as well. Be careful of “misspellings” and sites using .net instead of .com for a well know company name. Never save your credit card information in retail sites and web browsers. If they haven’t stored it, it can’t be stolen from them.
- Emails: we are not safe from receiving spam emails either. Clicking on links can be very dangerous. That’s why we should be very careful where we’re going online. If you feel an email can be suspicious. Hover over the “senders” name and look at the address it came from before you click on any links in the email body. If you still are not sure… simply go to the retailer’s website and look for information on deals. Copy Promo codes versus clicking in links in the retailer’s browser. A hacker could be “phishing”. {NEVER GIVE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION IN AN EMAIL!!}
Note: Fake websites and spam emails can be sent to IC3.gov, which is a federal website that monitors scammer activity.
- Don’t leave your phone unlocked: set your phone to require a PIN or fingerprint access
- New Accounts: when making new accounts on retailer’s sites. Don’t use the same email and password you use other places. Don’t save your credit card information or PIN in retailers sites accounts that you make.
- Use Credit NOT Debit: if you make a bad purchase with a malicious online retailer, it is more likely to resolve any issues with your credit card company than with your bank (or at least the money is not deducted from your checking or savings account).
- OPEN and READ Statements: pay CLOSE ATTENTION to your bank and check/debit/credit card online activities. Even keep an eye out on PayPal activities. Check your statements especially in January and February in 2016. Contact your bank IMMEDIATELY and report any unknown charges— no matter how small, because it can be a sign of fraud. Pay your bill only once you know all your charges are accurate.
Note: You have 30 days to notify your bank or card issuer of problems, or might be liable for the charges.
- Use Android Pay and Apple Pay: it can’t be cloned like traditional magnetic stripe cards.
If It Sounds Too Good To be True: emails received from friends stating they were robbed and need money wired, coupon scams for “buy one get one free” products, emails friends inadvertently send to you that are spam etc. Confirm any emails by talking directly to your friends/loved ones.
- Apps: while apps are fun and convenient to use, they can be hacked into. However, they are more secure than your phones web browser, they are layered with encryption and security. Just make sure you scan your apps before using them and that you are on a SECURED NETWORK on your phone or tablet. Use apps provided directly by the retailers, like Amazon and Target. Utilize the apps to find what you want and then make the purchase directly, without going to the store or the website.
- Wi-Fi: if you are on Wi-Fi in stores and restaurants— use only when in need and make sure you log out of any source you used. Wi-Fi can be tapped into to use your information easily. So, proceed with caution. Wi-Fi can be used at libraries and cafes. Now, if you do decide to use your laptop to shop, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection when you are out an about. Just make sure the Wi-Fi connection is a safe and secure one before doing any online shopping.
- Limit Information: keep social security numbers and birth dates to yourself. The more a potential crook knows, the more they can use against you to steal from you.
- Secure Your PC: make sure your malware, security, and virus protection is up to date. Don’t make it easy for hackers/thieves to steal your important information!
- Passwords: make sure you have STRONG PASSWORDS that incorporate symbols like “#” in them with numbers. Make them unique as possible.
- Gift Cards: be mindful of your cards and amounts and where you are buying them from, as criminals/scammers sell/auction them off. Especially, on sites like eBay with no funds on them.
- UPS/FedEx Deliveries: register online for alerts, so that you can track when packages being delivered and when they are delivered. This was you can have someone in place to receive them. Unfortunately, these companies may leave items on your porches, behind bushes by your door etc. Thieves have been known to follow these trucks and look for homes with packages left by these services.
- Parking Lots: make sure to park in well-lit areas when shopping. Get security to walk you to you car if need be.
- Packages/Valuables in Cars: don’t leave packages or your valuables visible in your car— even if you are just running in the store for a quick item or two. It doesn’t take long for a thief to break into your car and leave with your items. Lock them up in your trunk!
Be safe and enjoy your holiday activities! And remember…
“Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
~Sharky
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
