News

• Beware of emails, texts, or other promotions that seem “off” or encourage you to click links urgently. If you receive an enticing offer, do not click on the link- go directly to the business website instead to verify the offer’s legitimacy. 

• Before purchasing from a new website, read reviews to hear what others are saying about the business. In addition, look for verifiable information about the company, such as a physical address and phone number for customer service. 

• Using a credit card offers more protection should your information become compromised, or you need to dispute a purchase. In addition, if the merchant accepts third-party payment options, you can avoid giving your credit card information directly. 

• Use caution when completing the check-out process and be aware of the personal information being collected. Only complete the required fields and do not store your payment information in your profile. 

• Check your credit card and bank statements during and after the holiday season for any unauthorized activity. 

Safety and Security Tips:

• Be sure that all internet-connected devices are free from malware and infections by running the most current versions of the software available.

• Create long and unique passwords for all accounts and use multi-factor authentication when possible. 

• Don’t use public wifi to make purchases or login to secure accounts. Instead, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your phone as a hotspot.