Beware of Porch Pirates and Practice Safe Shopping
From fake websites to phishing emails and “porch pirates,” cybercriminals know many shoppers are in a hurry this time of year. Before you check out or click a link, take a moment to make sure your holiday cheer doesn’t turn into frustration.
Last-Minute Shoppers May Be Especially Vulnerable
Who among us hasn’t had to do some last-minute shopping to reciprocate a gift you didn’t expect to receive, buy for someone you accidentally skipped on your shopping list, or send a little extra holiday cheer to someone who needs it? Online shopping makes last-minute purchases possible, but sometimes cybercriminals see them as easy targets. Why?
Late shoppers may be more likely to buy gift cards, and lots of gift card scams are conducted through emails and fraudulent sites. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
As a last-minute shopper, you may also be looking for a popular item that’s now out of stock at your normal stores. Beware of buying from a site you’ve never heard of, no matter how much you want that item. Last-minute shoppers may also be more likely to need fast shipping, making them more vulnerable to outrageous associated fees. Finally, if you’re feeling the pressure of a time crunch, you’re less likely to be diligent about checking for signs of scams before a purchase – and scammers are counting on it.
Be on Guard for Porch Pirates Trying to Steal Your Bounty
You’ve done everything right and purchased all your holiday gifts from legitimate online retailers using safe payment methods. Your package is on the way, and you’re ready to happily check another item off your seemingly endless to-do list. The merchant says your package was delivered, but you got home and it’s nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, even the savviest online shoppers are still susceptible to post-delivery theft by “porch pirates.”
Try to get your packages off your porch or step as soon as they are delivered. If that’s not possible, ask a trusted neighbor to put them aside for you or consider installing a doorbell/security camera so you can see who is coming and going. Make sure you don’t schedule packages for delivery when you know you won’t be home. Consider having high-value or very important deliveries shipped to a locker instead or require a signature upon receipt.
Be a Safe Shopper All Year Long
Remember, while online shopping scams may be especially rampant during the holiday season, shoppers are susceptible any time of year. Keep the strategies above in mind every time you’re providing personal and financial information in exchange for products and services online. If you believe you are the victim of an online shopping scam, contact your financial institution right away to minimize the damage and get advice on how to protect your finances in the future.