With social engineering attacks, cybercriminals often exploit our emotions, noting when we’re most distracted and vulnerable. These tactics are even more pronounced during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Chris Wright, co-founder and partner of Sullivan Wright Technologies, sat down with KATV Channel 7 to discuss how consumers can stay alert to spot—and stop—potential scams while shopping online, from clicking “add to cart” through package delivery. Some of his key recommendations include:
- Use only secure networks when shopping or entering personal information online, rather than public Wi-Fi, which can be vulnerable to interception.
- Shop only on trusted websites, and make purchases from companies with verified websites.
- Avoid unfamiliar sites with deals that seem too good to be true, and look for a secure padlock symbol in the URL bar to confirm the site is safe.
- Monitor your bank and credit-card statements carefully for unfamiliar charges, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
- When donating to charities or responding to requests for money, be cautious.
- Don’t share sensitive information or payment via gift cards or unverified methods.
- Avoid responding to unsolicited emails or texts that claim to be about package tracking, address verification, or shipping problems. Treat such unexpected messages with skepticism—especially if they prompt you to click a link or request personal information.
With these simple precautions, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of having their personal information compromised.
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