The holiday season is a time to celebrate with loved ones and share thoughtful gifts. But it’s also when scammers and cybercriminals ramp up their activity, trying to steal your money or personal information. According to McAfee, one in five Americans has been scammed during the holidays, losing an average of $840 each. That’s money better spent on gifts! Here’s a guide to staying safe while shopping online and in person.

1. Shop Offline Whenever Possible

The simplest way to avoid online scams is to shop where scammers aren’t—offline. In-store shopping may be less convenient, but many people trust physical purchases more than online ones. A survey by Harris Poll and Quad found that over 70% of shoppers feel safer buying in person.

2. Set Aside Dedicated Online Shopping Time

Distraction is a scammer’s best friend. Security experts recommend focusing on your online shopping:

• Turn off notifications.
• Set aside a quiet time to shop, ideally when you can concentrate.
• Spread out your shopping over several sessions to reduce mistakes.

Megan Squire, a threat intelligence researcher at F-Secure, suggests this focused approach to avoid impulsive clicks on scammy links.

3. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers know people want deep discounts. To stay safe:

• Use tools like F-Secure’s Shopping Tracker or McAfee’s Scam Detector to check URLs and emails.
• Avoid clicking on ads or social media links; type the vendor’s URL directly into your browser.
• If a deal seems unbelievable, assume it’s a scam.

Trust your instincts—legitimate sellers rarely give away products for free.

4. Use Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards

Credit cards, especially virtual cards, offer stronger protection than debit cards or cash. If your card information is stolen, you can often recover your funds. Debit cards, however, are much harder to dispute.

5. Watch Out for the Latest Scams

Scammers use creative and evolving tactics, including:

• Fake Deal Pages and Retail Sites: AI-generated ads or websites mimic legitimate stores. Always type URLs manually.
• Delivery & Refund Text Scams: Texts claiming a package can’t be delivered or a refund is due are often fraudulent. Visit official sites for verification.
• Wrong Number & Account Verification Texts: Scammers may impersonate friends or colleagues using AI-generated images or voices. Confirm identities before responding.
• Fake Charity Appeals: Be cautious with holiday donation requests online. Use trusted platforms like CharityWatch and make payments through traceable methods.

6. Trust but Verify

Even well-known sites can host scammy sellers on platforms like eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace. Compare prices, read reviews, and verify listings carefully.

Final Tips

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads.
• Monitor your bank statements for unusual transactions.
• Enable spam filters on your phone to reduce scam calls and texts.
• Donate in person or through verified charity websites to avoid fraud.

The holidays should be joyful, not stressful. By following these tips, you can protect your money, personal information, and peace of mind while shopping.