Watch Out for Deals That Seem Too Good During Shopping Events

Big shopping events bring big sales, but they also attract scammers. When stores compete with major sales events, families naturally look for the best deals. However, cybercriminals know people are looking to spend money during these times and create fake websites and phishing emails disguised as legitimate sale offers.

Anyone shopping online during major sales events could be affected. Scammers send fake emails that look like they come from real stores, create copycat websites with deals that seem unbelievable, and set up fake customer service numbers. If you click these links or enter your payment information, criminals can steal your credit card details and personal information.

1. Never click links in promotional emails. Instead, type the store's website address directly into your browser or use the official app.
2. Before entering payment information, check that the website address starts with https and shows a lock icon in your browser.
3. Use a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection.
4. Be suspicious of deals that seem impossibly good. If a popular item is 90% off when everywhere else offers 20% off, it is probably fake.
5. Watch your bank and credit card statements closely during and after shopping events. Report unauthorized charges immediately. Develop smart shopping habits year round. Save the official websites or apps of stores you trust. Set up account alerts so your bank texts you about each purchase. Teach kids and teens that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is not real. Taking an extra minute to verify a website can save you hours of dealing with fraud.