1. Don’t get snowed by phishing emails — check the sender twice before you click!
  2. Keep your passwords as strong as an ice storm — long, unique, and
    never reused.
  3. Freeze out scammers by turning on Multi-Factor Authentication.
  4. Avoid frosty surprises — update your devices before the holidays get busy.
  5. Snowflakes are unique, and your passwords should be too!
  6. If a message feels “icy” or off… don’t click.
  7. Warm up your accounts with backups — cold weather won’t save your data!
  8. Don’t let your holiday shopping melt your wallet — stick to trusted websites.
  9. Keep your Wi-Fi wrapped up tight with a strong password and encryption.
  10. A snowman never shares his scarf… or personal information.
  11. Bundle up your files with encryption when traveling.
  12. If someone asks for gift cards as payment — that’s colder than a blizzard. It’s a scam!
  13. Don’t let your inbox turn into a snowdrift — delete suspicious messages.
  14. Your apps need coats too — update them regularly!
  15. Public Wi-Fi is as risky as thin ice — use a VPN if you must step on it.
  16. Keep your devices from “chilling out” unattended — lock them when not in use.
  17. Beware of “too cool to be true” holiday deals.
  18. Before you travel, make sure your devices are backed up… just in case they slip on ice.
  19. Don’t post your travel plans — burglars love an empty igloo.
  20. Smart home devices need holiday cheer — review their security settings!
  21. 21. Watch out for fake delivery notices — scammers love porch pirates AND snowmen.
  22. Use strong PINs — not your birthday or “1234-snow.”
  23. Be careful with QR codes — some are colder than the North Pole.
  24. Keep the holiday spirit high and your cybersecurity higher!

Buying Gift Cards? Be Cautious!

Gift cards are for gifts. Only gifts. Not for payments. Never buy a gift card because someone tells you to buy one and give them the numbers. Whenever you buy gift cards:

  • Stick to stores you know and trust. Avoid buying from online auction sites because the gift cards may be fake or stolen.
  • Inspect the gift card before you buy it. Make sure the protective stickers are on the card and that it doesn’t look like someone tampered with them. Also check that the PIN number on the back isn’t showing. Pick a different gift card if you spot a problem and show the tampered card to a cashier or manager.
  • Always keep a copy of the gift card and store receipt. Take a picture of the gift card and store receipt with your phone. The number on the gift card and store receipt will help you file a report with the gift card company if you lose the gift card or if you need to report fraud.

1. Shop Smart and Stick With Trusted Retailers

  • Buy directly from official websites or well-known stores. Be cautious of unfamiliar sites with prices that seem too good to be true – they often are.

  • Compare prices before you buy. Knowing what an item normally costs helps you spot suspicious deals or counterfeit products.

  • Look out for website clones: Always check the web address when shopping and watch out for website clones that might have a name like a real retailer (amazon_deals.co, for example).

2. Protect Your Payment and Personal Info

  • Share only what’s necessary. If a retailer asks for more personal info than you’re comfortable providing, shop elsewhere.

  • Use credit cards. They often include stronger fraud protection than debit cards.

  • Watch out for weird payment requests: Any retailer that doesn’t accept major credit cards is suspect, like if they want payment through Zelle, Cash app, or cryptocurrency (like bitcoin).

3. Secure Your Accounts

4. Watch Out for Scams and other CyberGrinches

  • Be skeptical of emails, texts, or ads that offer unbelievable deals or ask for personal info. They may be phishing attempts.

  • Avoid buying from resale sites where automated “Grinch Bots” hoard popular items and resell them at inflated prices — often with higher risk of fraud.

  • Report suspicious messages to your email provider or IT team.

  • Look out for delivery scam texts: Look out for text messages from USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL asking for tracking numbers or payment, or announcing delivery delays. Shipping companies won’t ask for extra “fees” for products you order online – check with the merchant for updated tracking information.

5. Monitor Your Accounts

  • Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Flag and report any unfamiliar charges right away.

  • Set up transaction alerts to catch fraudulent activity quickly.

  • Freeze your credit by default with the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experion, and TransUnion) and unfreeze it when applying for credit. It’s free and doesn’t impact your credit score!

6. Stay Safe While Shopping on Social Media

Social media platforms can make holiday shopping feel fast and fun, but they’re also prime territory for scams. Fake accounts and ads can lead to fake products or phishing sites. Before clicking “Buy Now,” double-check:

  • Is the account verified? Check the profile’s history of the seller.

  • Check websites: Does the store have a legitimate website with clear contact information? Go beyond the social media marketplace.

  • Read reviews closely: Are reviews consistent and authentic looking?

  • Be extra careful on social media: There are many scam ads offered through social media, so look through reviews and do more research before purchasing.

If something feels off, don’t click the link or continue corresponding with the seller.

Keep the Cyber Spirit All Year Long

Good online shopping habits are actually smart practices to follow all year round.

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind: stay alert, stay secure, and make cybersecurity part of your everyday routine.
Thanks to The FTC Consumer Advice

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