Consumers urged to look out for scams when holiday shopping
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) – Due to the increase in the amount of holiday spending and donations, Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) encourages consumers to exercise caution.
“Stay vigilant, choose secure payment options, and regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity to keep your accounts safe and secure,” said DoIT Acting Secretary and State CIO Sanjay Gupta.
“A few simple steps now can safe so much frustration later,” said IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Be wary of texts, ads, and emails that offer attractive purchases and instead go to the company’s website. Always check reviews and check for a physical location for the company and customer service information.”
Additional tips include:
- Steer clear of fake websites: Double-check URLs, look for ‘https://’ and a padlock symbol, and stick with trusted retailers. Be cautious of unsolicited emails.
- Beware of phishing emails: Be cautious of phishing emails, avoid suspicious links, and verify senders.
- Create strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols for each retailer and consider a password manager.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: Staying skeptical of unrealistic deals can protect you from falling into digital traps. Stick to reputable retailers.
- Avoid public Wi-FI: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and use secure connections like home Wi-Fi or cellular data. Consider using a VPN for added protection.
