Shop Smart to Avoid Digital Fraud This Season

Phones, laptops, and computers make shopping fun and convenient, but they can also expose you to scammers intent on stealing your financial data. Use these tips to help fill your online cart without padding the wallet of a scammer.

6 Ways Online Shoppers Can Protect Personal Information

1. Be selective about discounts. Scammers often trick victims into sharing their credit card details by promising substantial savings on popular, hard-to-find items. If an ad boasts low prices that seem too good to be true, they probably are.
2. Beware of copycat websites. Encryption padlock symbols next to the web address are no longer a reliable indicator of a secure site. If the address contains extra numbers, letters, or symbols, you might be on a fake website.
3. Avoid sharing sensitive data. Fraudsters might promise high-percentage coupons in exchange for your complete name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Sharing this unnecessary information puts you at risk for identity theft.
4. Review website policies. Vague or non-existent refund, return, and privacy policies are a major red flag. Legitimate businesses have clear and detailed policies that are easy to find and understand.
5. Skip unusual payment methods. While many online retailers offer a variety of payment options, be wary of requests for wire transfers or gift cards. These methods are difficult to trace and are favored by fraudsters.
6. Pay with a credit card. Sometimes scammers succeed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recoup your losses. Credit cards offer fraud protection, including the right to dispute charges.

By remaining vigilant, you can enjoy shopping online while reducing the risks of becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.

To report unknown activity or fraud, or learn more about fraud scams and what you can do to help protect yourself, visit wescom.org/security-center or call us at 1-888-4WESCOM (1-888-493-7266). We also encourage you to sign up for Wescom's free Account Alerts to notify you via text or email about activity on your account.¹