Is there anything more festive than the holiday hustle? Unfortunately, the holiday shine can wear off if you find yourself a victim of digital pickpocketing! While the holiday season is a time for joy and warmth, it’s also a prime time for crafty internet scoundrels to make their move, and they’re not stuffing your stockings with goodies.
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry. We’ve got just the tips to keep your holiday cheer intact and your personal information safe from scammers all season long.
The Rise of Digital Scams During Holidays
Did you know that scams, especially ones carried out over the phone or digitally, spike during the holiday season? Swindlers take advantage of the festive cheer, with some even going as far as impersonating charities or sending false holiday deals. It’s a cold move, preying on people during what should be the most joyous time of the year.
There’s the classic “too good to be true” bait and switch, email phishing scams, and callers asking for urgent donations for charities. Disguised as normal transactions, these scams are designed to steal your personal information, including credit card details and even social security numbers.
The more you know about them in advance, the less likely you are to hand over essential information. You also want to inform family members so they’re protected as well.
The Power of a Phone Number App
Shielding yourself from these seasonal scams is more manageable than it may sound. The solution can be as simple as downloading a reliable phone number app. These apps let you use a temporary second phone number, saving you from submitting your real number in potentially unsafe situations.
A phone number app is essentially two layers of armor. It keeps your primary number away from prying eyes and gives you the benefit of tracking and blocking pesky scams or spam calls. These apps come fortified with features designed to make your life easier and safer so that you can focus on having a fun holiday adventure.
Careful Shopping: Online and Offline Tips
When shopping online, stick to verified sellers or trusted retail websites. Look for Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. The website URL should begin with “https,” not “http”. And you never want to share your credit card information over email or text.
Offline shopping comes with its own set of precautions. Be wary of standalone ATMs and always protect your PIN from sight. Discard receipts and billing statements securely; remember, dumpster diving isn’t beneath these holiday scoundrels.
The Role of Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Using easy-to-guess passwords is like leaving your front door open and going on holiday vacation — it’s an invitation to intruders. In the digital world, strong, unusual passwords and two-factor authentication are your best defense against hackers and scammers.
Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters to create a password; the more complex, the better. Then, add another layer of protection in the form of two-factor authentication. This feature sends a one-time password (OTP) or verification code to your registered device each time someone (including you) tries to access your account.
Using the same password for all accounts makes it much easier for scammers and hackers to get through. Use a password manager app if remembering multiple complex passwords is challenging. The extra step is worth the extra security.
Regular Updates: Best Way To Keep Scammers at Bay
Next up on our holiday safety shopping list is to keep all your devices, software, and apps updated. But, these updates often include crucial performance enhancements and vulnerability fixes. That means every update comes with protection that can give you extra peace of mind this holiday season.
Just think of it as festive housekeeping. You wouldn’t serve holiday dinner on dusty dishes, right? Then why serve up your data on outdated software?
Don’t Let the Grinch Steal Your Data
The holidays should be about good times with the people you love, and you shouldn’t have to spend them worrying about the security of your data. The good news is, with a couple of simple steps, you’ll be protected all season long. Tools like a reliable phone number app, strong passwords, and regular updates are your best defense against holiday scammers and thieves.
Protecting your personal information doesn’t mean sacrificing the festive cheer and twinkling traditions. It simply calls for a little virtual vigilance. Your personal data should be a festive secret this season and all year long.
Get the cocoa ready, snuggle into your fuzzy socks, and have yourself a merry (and secure) little holiday!
