Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, shopping! However, MyMonty's fraud detection team has identified the top five red flags you should watch for to avoid falling victim to online scams. To help you shop safely, here are their insights combined with tips to protect yourself.

1. Unrealistic Discounts and Prices

• Red Flag: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with unbelievably low prices on popular items.

• Tip: Compare prices across multiple reputable websites. If the discount is drastically lower than market value, proceed with caution.

2. Suspicious or Unknown Websites

• Red Flag: Unfamiliar websites with poor design, broken links, or no secure "https://" in the URL can be a sign of a scam.

• Tip: Stick to trusted retailers or verify the legitimacy of a new website by reading reviews and checking for contact information and return policies.

3. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods

• Red Flag: Scammers may ask for payments via wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency, which are difficult to trace and recover.

• Tip: Always use secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted online payment platforms. Avoid direct bank transfers unless you’re certain of the retailer’s legitimacy.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions

• Red Flag: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data during online transactions.

• Tip: Use a secure, private connection when making purchases or accessing sensitive financial information.

5. Skip Ads and Go Straight to the Site

• Red Flag: Clicking on online ads can lead you to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate retailers.

• Tip: Type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking on ads or links in emails.

Bonus Tip: Secure Your Digital Wallet

• Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly update your apps and devices to protect your financial accounts.

Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress over falling victim to online scams. By staying alert and following these tips, you can shop confidently and safely. Remember, when in doubt, it’s better to miss a deal than to risk your personal and financial security. Happy shopping!