LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The holiday season often means shopping for gifts and planning celebrations, but cybersecurity experts warn that where money flows, scams follow.

Eric O’Neill, a cybersecurity expert, cautions shoppers to remain vigilant while shopping online, donating to charities, or booking travel, as scammers often target these activities.

O’Neill recommends never clicking on ads when scrolling online and avoiding shopping social media apps. He said if you see something you like, try to look for it on a credible website.

When paying for your items online, use methods that give you buyer protections like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

If you receive holiday package emails or texts including delivery details with links attached– don’t click it.

“If you click the link you may be installing malicious software on your computer,” O’Neill said. “They can also collect information about you. If you put in your correct address, your email, and all sorts of other information, they use that for identity theft.

He added that scammers love gift cards as well because they are hard to trace. He said if possible, try to use gift cards in person rather than online. Even then, make sure the sticker on the back of the gift card is still intact before using it, and be sure to receive a receipt after purchases.

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