The holiday season is full of festive cheer—but amidst the joy and gift-giving, cybercriminals and thieves are just as busy as shoppers. From fake websites to theft in crowded stores, the risks are real.
With the majority of U.S. shoppers planning to shop online (57%) or a mix of online and in-store (37%), staying vigilant is more important than ever. Regardless of your shopping preferences, planning and awareness are key to a safe and stress-free season.
“The rush to find the right gift can lead to hasty decisions,” said Scott Edwards, director of fraud risk management and financial crimes at BOK Financial®. “Taking a moment to pause can help protect you from costly mistakes.”
Criminals pay attention to your actions and demeanor, added Wendell Franklin, director of security for BOK Financial. “Staying alert can help you avoid their attention and reduce your risk of theft or fraud.”
Online shopping: Stay a step ahead of scammers
With the prevalence of online shopping, fraudsters are upping their game.
“Scammers are more sophisticated than ever,” said Edwards. “With AI tools and ‘fraud as a service,’ fraudsters can create cloned websites that look exactly like legitimate ones.”
Protect yourself:
- Plan ahead. Have a list and stick to reputable retailers.
- Check URLs carefully. Ensure the site starts with https:// and watch for strange endings like .shop or .vip.
- Watch for red flags. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are.
- Be cautious with social media ads. Many direct you to fake or shady websites. You might make a purchase, but the product either never arrives or turns out to be counterfeit.
- Pay attention to search results. Scammers often manipulate search engines to display fake sites at the top.
- Update your malware protection. Do this on all devices, including phones.
- Use secure payment methods. Stick to credit cards or platforms like PayPal that offer buyer protection. Avoid wire transfers, ACH, gift cards or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle or CashApp unless you’re 100% sure of the recipient.
In-person shopping: Stay alert and confident
For many, shopping in stores is part of the holiday magic, but crowded malls and parking lots may also attract criminals.
“Unfortunately, there are people out there who prey on individuals. Be aware of your surroundings and if something feels unsafe, trust your instincts,” said Franklin.
“Body language is everything, so keep your eyes and head up. Look around and walk like a boss,” added Matt Kirkland, manager of corporate security and emergency operations at BOK Financial. “Confident shoppers are less appealing targets.”
Franklin and Kirkland offered the following tips to shop securely and confidently:
- Shop with a buddy. There’s strength in numbers.
- Park smart. Choose well-lit areas to park your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
- Stick to daylight hours. Try to shop during the day for added safety.
- Coordinate with your group. If shopping with friends or family, designate a central meeting spot in case cell service fails.
- Stay aware. Look for anything unusual as you park and return to your car. Note the presence of police or security officers nearby.
- Avoid phone distractions. Wait until you're safely in your locked car to check your phone.
- Have an emergency plan. Know the exits and have a safe place to go in case of an emergency.
- Secure your belongings. Carry purses across your body and place wallets in a front pocket.
- Practice ATM safety. Use machines in well-lit, busy areas and shield your PIN from prying eyes.
Wrapping up: A few extra precautions at home
As you celebrate the season, take small steps to protect your home and belongings. If your tree is in a front window, keep expensive gifts out of sight to avoid drawing attention. Be cautious about opening your door to unexpected visitors, as scammers may pose as charity workers or salespeople. To prevent porch theft, schedule package deliveries for times you’ll be home, use secure pick-up options or ask your neighbors to assist. Whether at home or on the go, these simple precautions can help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season.
What to do if you are scammed
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having been scammed, take these steps:
- Cancel your credit and debit cards and monitor your accounts.
- Fake websites are the “gift” that keeps giving, Edwards warns. Once you’ve made a purchase that never arrives, the scammer might also try to make illegal charges on your card or sell your financial and personal information to other nefarious individuals.
- Contact your card issuer to dispute the transaction. They may be able to reverse the charges.
- File a report. Contact the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. If you suspect your purchase is counterfeit, report it at iprcenter.gov/referral.
. © 2024 BOKF, NA.