Summer Phone Sales Are Here: How to Shop Safely for Deals

Major phone carriers and retailers are offering Fourth of July sales on popular smartphones including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Apple iPhone models. These are legitimate promotions where you can save money on new phones. However, holiday sales periods always attract scammers who create fake websites and phishing emails pretending to offer deals.

If you are shopping for a new phone, these sales could save your family money. However, you need to distinguish between real deals and scams. Fake shopping websites often look nearly identical to legitimate retailer sites. Scam emails may claim to offer exclusive deals but actually steal your credit card information or install malware when you click links. Follow these steps to shop safely. First, go directly to retailer websites by typing the address into your browser. Never click links in emails or text messages about sales. Second, verify you are on a secure website by checking for https in the address bar and a padlock icon. Third, use a credit card rather than a debit card for better fraud protection. Fourth, check your credit card statements carefully after making purchases. Fifth, be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, like a new iPhone for 90% off. Smart shopping habits protect you year round. Save bookmarks for your favorite retailers and always use those instead of clicking ads or email links. Enable two factor authentication on your accounts with major retailers. Monitor your email for confirmation of any orders, and contact the retailer immediately if you receive confirmation for something you did not order. These practices help you take advantage of real sales while avoiding the scams that unfortunately come with them.