**WARNING: Avoid Holiday Online Shopping Scams**
**Introduction**
As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. However, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about holiday online shopping scams. These scams can not only ruin your holiday cheer, but they can also jeopardize your financial security. In this article, we will explore some common holiday online shopping scams to watch out for and ways to protect yourself while shopping online.
**How can you identify holiday online shopping scams?**
One way to identify holiday online shopping scams is by looking out for deals that seem too good to be true. If you come across a website offering high-end products at ridiculously low prices, you may be dealing with a scam. These scammers often use fake websites or online ads to lure unsuspecting shoppers into providing their personal information or credit card details.
**What should you do if you suspect youve fallen victim to an online shopping scam?**
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to an online shopping scam, it is important to act quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card company to report the fraudulent charges. They can help you dispute the charges and possibly recover your money. Next, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency. By reporting the scam, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.
**How can you protect yourself from holiday online shopping scams?**
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from holiday online shopping scams. First, only shop from reputable websites that have secure payment options. Look for websites with https in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. Second, be wary of unsolicited emails or messages that contain links to online retailers. These could be phishing attempts to steal your personal information. Lastly, use secure payment methods such as credit cards or payment services like PayPal, which offer purchase protection in case of fraud.
**People Also Ask**
**How can I avoid online shopping scams during the holiday season?**
To avoid online shopping scams during the holiday season, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, only shop from reputable websites, and use secure payment methods.
**What are some common signs of holiday online shopping scams?**
Common signs of holiday online shopping scams include unrealistic discounts on high-end products, fake websites, and phishing emails with suspicious links to online retailers.
**Is it safe to shop online during the holiday season?**
While online shopping can be safe, it is important to be vigilant and take precautions to protect your personal information and financial security during the holiday season.
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CISA alerts about online scams during holidays.