With Christmas fast approaching and Black Friday deals everywhere, it’s a busy time for shoppers.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of online sales, but a few careful habits can make all the difference during a period where scammers will look for opportunities to take advantage of shoppers.
Here, Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, shares six straightforward ways to shop safely this season.
Six Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed This Season
Sophie Graham, a Personal Finance Expert at Sunny, says: “With Black Friday and Christmas shopping in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, and that’s when scammers strike. Simple habits like checking links, using secure payments, and pausing before you click can keep you safe. Online shopping should feel easy and enjoyable, and a little caution goes a long way.”
“Scammers rely on urgency to make people act before they think. If a deal feels unusually cheap or comes with a countdown timer, stop and take a breath. Genuine retailers don’t need to pressure you into a decision. A quick check of the website’s name, reviews, or contact details can prevent a lot of disappointment later. Taking thirty seconds to verify a deal could save you weeks of stress trying to recover lost money.”
“Familiarity is one of the easiest forms of protection. Shopping directly through a retailer’s official website or app reduces the risk of ending up on a fake site designed to steal your details. It’s also worth typing the address manually instead of clicking links from ads or social media; it’s a small habit that goes a long way. The extra effort might feel inconvenient in the moment, but it’s far safer than chasing refunds from fraudulent sellers.”
“Using a credit or debit card adds a valuable layer of protection if a purchase turns out to be fraudulent. Bank transfers or payment links in unsolicited messages should always raise a red flag. The goal is to make sure you have some form of recourse if things don’t go as planned. A secure payment method gives you the reassurance that you’re not alone if something goes wrong.”
“It’s easy to trust messages that appear to come from delivery companies, especially during the festive rush. However, texts or emails requesting small ‘redelivery fees’ are a classic trick. Go directly to the courier’s official site instead of clicking links. Legitimate firms won’t ask for payment or personal details through a message. If in doubt, contact the delivery provider using the details on their verified website before taking any action.”
“Your online security depends heavily on strong, unique passwords, and yet, it’s something people often overlook. Using a password manager and enabling two-factor authentication might feel like effort at first, but it’s far less hassle than dealing with a hacked account later. Think of it as protecting your digital assets the same way you’d lock your front door. The stronger your security, the less appealing a target you become to cybercriminals.”
“Scammers know how to make posts and adverts look polished and convincing. Whether it’s a giveaway, a flash sale or a ‘too good to miss’ promotion, take a moment before engaging. If it looks legitimate, find the offer on the retailer’s official website instead. Staying one step removed from impulsive clicks is often what keeps you safe. Remember, genuine companies won’t ask you to share personal information or make payments through social media messages.”
For more personal finance tips, visit Sunny’s website here.
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