Compiled by Carolyn Cadigan
‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and searching for the best online deals. Major Mark Dyer of the Sanford Police Department recently posted on social media some safety tips on how to avoid online scammers during this busy holiday season.
When shopping online:
- Stick to trusted, known retailers or sites that have “https” at the start of the web address and a padlock icon.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Don’t click on suspicious links. Instead, navigate directly to the retailer’s website from a new browser window or via the device’s app.
Be on the lookout for scams:
• Watch for fake “order delay” or “update payment info” emails.
• Confirm customer service numbers on the retailer’s official site.
• Report fraud quickly to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and notify your banking institutions.
When it comes to deliveries:
• Track your packages.
• Use secure pick-up options or have items delivered to work, if allowed.
• Prevent porch piracy by using cameras, opting for signature delivery, or relying on a trusted neighbor.
The important takeaway, according to Dyer, is to pause before clicking a link or entering your personal data. Make sure to think about what it is you are doing and to whom you are giving your information. Simply slowing down the process is usually enough to allow you time to recognize a potential scam.
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