Two Expert Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is almost here, and while online shopping makes gift-buying convenient, it also opens up opportunities for scammers to take advantage. This is particularly concerning for older adults who may not be as familiar with digital shopping. Here are two expert tips to keep you secure:

1. Be Wary of Misleading Ads

Deals that seem too good to be true often are. Scammers use fake ads and incredible discounts to lure shoppers into entering personal information on bogus websites. Always double-check for security indicators: make sure the site’s web address begins with “https” and look for the small padlock symbol in the address bar. If these are missing, close the page immediately and search for a more reputable site.

2. Watch Out for Payment Traps

Proceed with caution when making a purchase. It could be a scam if you’re asked to complete a transaction in an unusual way—like through a pop-up window or before confirming your order details. After you buy something, review your credit card statement to ensure the retailer’s name on the charge matches the one you ordered from. If anything looks suspicious, contact your bank for help.

Stay alert to these risks to enjoy a safer online shopping experience. And don’t forget to support local businesses by visiting their official websites to shop for gifts!