Online Shopping Safety Tips: Avoid Holiday Scams, Fake Sites & Package Theft
posted
November 2, 2026
in
Fraud & Security
The holiday shopping season makes it easy to find great deals and check gifts off your list. Unfortunately, it's also a busy time for scammers looking to take advantage of shoppers. Knowing how to spot common threats can help you shop with confidence and keep your personal and financial information safe.
Whether you're buying gifts online, tracking packages, or searching for the best bargain, these online shopping safety tips can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Why Online Shopping Scams Increase During the Holidays
As more people shop online during the holiday season, scammers see an opportunity. They often create convincing websites, send fake delivery notifications, or promote deals that seem too good to pass up. The goal is usually the same: steal your money, personal information, or account credentials.
By understanding the most common scams and knowing what warning signs to watch for, you can reduce your risk and make safer decisions while shopping online.
How to Spot a Fake Website Scam
One of the most common holiday scams involves fake online stores. These websites are designed to look like legitimate retailers but exist solely to collect payment information or personal data.
Warning Signs of a Fake Website
Before making a purchase, look for these red flags:
- Prices that seem dramatically lower than every other retailer
- Poor spelling, grammar, or low-quality images
- Missing contact information or customer service details
- No return policy or unclear refund information
- A website address that looks slightly different from a well-known retailer
- Pressure tactics such as countdown timers or "limited stock" warnings on every item
Ways to Verify a Website
Before entering payment information:
- Check the website URL carefully
- Confirm the site uses HTTPS security
- Search for independent customer reviews
- Visit the retailer's social media pages
- Research how long the business has been operating
Taking a few extra minutes to verify a retailer can help you avoid becoming the victim of a fake website scam.
How to Avoid Phishing Scams During Holiday Shopping
Phishing scams often arrive through email, text messages, or social media. They are designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
Holiday themed phishing messages may claim:
- A package delivery failed
- Your account needs verification
- You've won a gift card or prize
- A payment problem requires immediate action
- A retailer is offering a limited-time discount
Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams
If you receive an unexpected message:
- Don't click links right away
- Visit the company's website directly instead
- Verify messages through official channels
- Check the sender's email address carefully
- Be cautious of urgent language or threats
Scammers often rely on panic and urgency. Slowing down and verifying information can help you avoid phishing scams before any damage is done.
Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud Online
Using a credit card when shopping online can provide additional protections, but it's still important to monitor your accounts closely.
Best Practices for Safer Online Payments
Consider these simple habits:
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards when possible
- Avoid saving payment information on unfamiliar websites
- Shop only on trusted networks and avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases
- Use strong, unique passwords for shopping accounts
- Enable multi-factor authentication when available
Monitor Transactions Regularly
Review your account activity frequently, especially during busy shopping seasons.
Look for:
- Small test charges
- Duplicate purchases
- Transactions from unfamiliar merchants
- Purchases made in locations you've never visited
The sooner suspicious activity is identified, the easier it may be to address.
Beware of Package Delivery Scams
As online orders increase, package delivery scams become more common. These scams often involve text messages or emails claiming there is a problem with a shipment. The message may ask you to click a link, pay a fee, or provide personal information.
Common Package Delivery Scam Examples
Scammers may claim:
- A package cannot be delivered until a small fee is paid
- Shipping information needs to be updated
- Customs charges are due
- A package is waiting for pickup
These messages frequently impersonate major shipping companies and can appear convincing at first glance.
How to Stay Safe
Instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages:
- Visit the shipping company's website directly
- Use the retailer's official order tracking page
- Log in to your account to check shipment status
- Contact customer service using verified contact information
Remember that legitimate delivery companies generally do not request sensitive financial information through unexpected text messages.
Secure Your Accounts Before You Shop
A secure shopping experience starts with secure accounts.
Strengthen Your Passwords
Create passwords that:
- Are unique for each account
- Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid personal details such as birthdays or pet names
Password managers can help you create and store strong passwords safely.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security beyond your password. Even if a password is compromised, a scammer may still be unable to access your account without the second verification step.
Keep Devices Updated
Software updates often include important security fixes. Install updates promptly for smartphones, tablets, computers, internet browsers, and shopping apps. These updates help protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Watch for Social Media Shopping Scams
Holiday shoppers often discover products through social media advertisements. While many ads are legitimate, scammers frequently use social platforms to promote counterfeit products or fake stores.
Before purchasing from an unfamiliar brand:
- Research the company independently
- Read customer reviews from multiple sources
- Verify contact information
- Check return and refund policies
- Be cautious of unusually large discounts
If an advertisement creates a strong sense of urgency, take a moment to verify the offer before making a purchase.
Create Safe Online Shopping Habits Year-Round
Many online shopping safety tips apply throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
Some of the best habits include:
- Shopping with trusted retailers
- Monitoring account activity regularly
- Keeping personal information private
- Verifying suspicious communications
- Reviewing credit card and bank statements
- Updating passwords regularly
You can also stay informed about current scams and security threats by reviewing resources on our Learning Center.
Know What to Do If You Think You've Been Scammed
Even careful shoppers can encounter scams. If you believe you've shared information with a scammer:
- Change affected passwords immediately.
- Contact your financial institution.
- Monitor account activity closely.
- Report fraudulent charges.
- Run security scans on affected devices.
- Watch for additional scam attempts.
Acting quickly may help reduce potential financial losses and prevent further misuse of your information. You should also regularly review your accounts using our online banking so you can identify unusual activity as soon as possible.
Shop Smart and Stay Confident
Holiday shopping should be exciting, not stressful. By learning to recognize phishing attempts, avoiding fake websites, protecting your payment information, and staying alert for package delivery scams, you can enjoy a safer online shopping experience.
No one can eliminate every risk, but small precautions can go a long way. The more informed you are, the easier it becomes to make confident decisions, protect your finances, and focus on what matters most during the holiday season.