The holidays bring festive celebrations and online deals and unfortunately, also bring an increase in scams targeting online shoppers. If you’re buying gifts, booking travel, or making charitable donations, a little extra caution can help keep your money and personal information safe.

Consider these tips:

• Shop only from trusted retailers and websites
• Look for “https:// ” and the padlock icon before entering payment information
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
• Avoid making purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi
• Verify QR codes before scanning them
• Never provide payment information through unsolicited emails or text messages
• Monitor your account activity throughout the holiday season

Remember, legitimate businesses won’t pressure you to make an immediate purchase or ask you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

The busiest shopping season is also one of the busiest scam seasons. Taking a few extra seconds before making a purchase can help ensure your holidays stay merry and bright.