The holiday season is upon us, and let’s face it: in 2024, that probably means lots of online shopping! E-commerce has changed how we approach the holiday season, allowing us to browse endless options from the comfort of our couch, sidestepping the crowded malls and long checkout lines. While the rewards of online shopping are limitless, so are the risks.
The Convenience Factor—And the Risks That Come with It
The allure of e-commerce is undeniable. Who doesn’t love scoring a deal at midnight or snagging that hard-to-find gift without having to hunt through multiple stores? But this convenience also means cybercriminals are ready and waiting, especially during the holidays, when shoppers often rush to make purchases and may overlook security. Cybercrime increases sharply during the holiday season, with schemes ranging from simple phishing emails to sophisticated hacks aimed at stealing personal and financial data.
Popular Cyber Threats in Holiday Shopping
Here’s a look at some of the most common threats you might encounter as you load up your virtual shopping cart this season:
- Phishing Scams—These are emails or texts that look legitimate but are actually fake. They’ll claim to be from your favorite store, alerting you to a “problem with your order” or promising a big discount. Once you click, you can unknowingly give away sensitive information.
- Fake Websites—With holiday demand peaking, scammers often create phony websites that look just like popular retail sites. You may think you’re getting a bargain but end up paying for goods that never arrive—or worse, give away your credit card information.
- Package Tracking Scams—As online orders pile up, cybercriminals take advantage of our eagerness to receive deliveries. Fake emails pretending to be shipping notices lure you into clicking links that lead to malware.
- Account Takeovers—Many of us have e-commerce accounts with saved payment information. If a hacker gains access to one of these accounts, they can make purchases, change passwords, or even use the stored info for further fraud.
The Reward: It’s Still Possible to Stay Protected
Given these threats, one might wonder if the convenience of e-commerce is worth the risk. The good news is that with proper preparation, you can stay safe and enjoy the ease of online shopping without losing sleep over potential cyber issues. A big part of that preparation is knowing what to do if something goes wrong—and that’s where fully managed fraud restoration services come into play.
These services offer peace of mind by helping you take preventative measures, and their real value shines if you fall victim to cybercrime. Managed fraud restoration services will guide you through the recovery process, from handling paperwork to working with financial institutions and credit bureaus. Essentially, they’re your go-to team in getting your digital life back on track if a cyber threat becomes a problem.
LibertyID Identity Theft Solutions for Individuals, Couples, and Families* provides its subscribers with 360° fully managed identity fraud concierge restoration services. We are experts in resolving all common forms of identity fraud. Our subscribers can also enroll in our Proactive Detection, which monitors and sends alerts when their SSN, Address, Dark Web, criminal record, and credit reports change.
*LibertyID defines an extended family as you, your spouse/partner, your parents and parents-in-law, and your children under the age of 25.