As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to online shopping to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones. The convenience of shopping from home and avoiding crowded stores is unbeatable. However, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential online shopping risks. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable online shopping experience this holiday season.

1. Update Your Devices

Before making any online purchases, ensure the software on the phone, tablet or computer you’re using is up-to-date to help protect your information.

2. Use Strong pA55w0rds!

Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

If you have trouble remembering all of those passwords, use a passphrase that makes sense to you. Substitute numbers or special symbols for letters. You can also use Keeper, which is available to all UA students and employees for free, to create and store your passwords.

3. Only Shop on Reputable Websites

Stick to well-known retailers and check for secure connections. Look for “https” in the URL to ensure your personal and payment information is encrypted and protected.

4. Use a Credit Card Instead of a Debit Card

Credit cards often offer better fraud protection. In case of any unauthorized charges, you can dispute the charges more easily than with a debit card.

5. Check Reviews and Ratings

Before hitting that payment button, read through the customer feedback. This will help you gauge the reliability of the seller and the quality of the product.

6. Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

You know the old saying, “If it seems too good to be true…” This is especially true with online shopping. Scammers often lure shoppers with unbelievably low prices, so do your due diligence and compare prices across different websites to ensure you’re getting a fair deal without falling for a scam.

6. Monitor Your Purchases and Bank Statements

After you’ve bought those gifts, keep track of your purchases and regularly check your bank statements. You don’t want to wake up on Christmas morning to find that the Grinch has stolen everything. If you spot any suspicious activity, report it immediately to your credit card company or bank.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free online shopping experience, find the perfect gifts for your family and friends without any worries, and make this holiday season a joyous one! 

Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test

Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 11:55 a.m.