Every year, millions of people head online to find the best holiday deals — from flash sales to last-minute gifts. But while you’re busy filling your cart, cybercriminals are busy too. The holiday shopping season is prime time for scams, fake websites, and phishing emails designed to steal your money or personal data.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, online shopping scams increase by more than 30% during the holiday months. That’s why cybersecurity experts recommend staying alert and taking a few extra precautions before you hit “checkout.”

Here’s how to protect yourself and shop securely this holiday season.

1. Stick to Trusted Retailers and Official Apps

Cybercriminals often create fake websites or apps that look identical to legitimate retailers — complete with logos, product photos, and “too good to be true” prices.
Before entering any personal information:

  • Check the URL — it should begin with https://, not http://.
  • Look closely for misspellings (like amazzon or walrnart).
  • Avoid clicking on shopping links sent via email, text, or social media ads.
  • Download retail apps only from official stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

If you’re not sure whether a deal is real, visit the retailer’s website directly by typing the URL yourself.

2. Beware of Phishing Emails and “Gift” Scams

Holiday phishing campaigns are more convincing than ever. Scammers impersonate popular retailers, delivery companies, or payment processors with subject lines like:

  • “Your package is delayed!”
  • “Special 70% off holiday deal — ends soon!”
  • “Claim your $50 gift card now!”

These emails or texts often contain links to spoofed websites that steal your login credentials or credit card information.
To stay safe:

  • Hover over links before clicking — if the URL looks strange, don’t open it.
  • Never download attachments from unknown senders.
  • Go directly to the company’s official site to check your order status.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid paying with debit cards or wire transfers — they offer little protection if your information is stolen. Instead:

  • Use credit cards or digital wallets (like Apple Pay or PayPal), which encrypt transactions and offer better fraud protection.
  • Never send money via gift cards or cryptocurrency to an unknown seller.
  • Turn on purchase alerts with your bank to detect suspicious transactions quickly.

If a seller insists on using unconventional payment methods, it’s a major red flag.

4. Secure Your Devices Before You Shop

Your holiday shopping security starts with your device. Outdated software or weak protection can make you an easy target for malware and identity theft.
Before you start browsing deals:

  • Update your operating system and browser — many cyberattacks exploit old vulnerabilities.
  • Install trusted antivirus software like UltraAV, which provides real-time protection against phishing sites, ransomware, and malicious downloads.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping or banking. If you must connect, use a VPN to encrypt your data and keep cyber snoops out.

5. Watch Out for Fake Delivery Notifications

With millions of packages in transit, scammers take advantage by sending fake delivery alerts. You might get a text that says:

“Your package could not be delivered. Click here to reschedule.”

But clicking that link could install malware or take you to a phishing page.

To verify delivery information, always go directly to the courier’s official website (like UPS, USPS, or FedEx) and enter your tracking number manually.

6. Protect Your Personal Data Post-Holiday

The risks don’t end when the holidays are over. Many scams surface in January, when shoppers are returning items or waiting for refunds.
Stay secure by:

  • Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements.
  • Changing passwords on shopping or banking accounts after the season.
  • Using a password manager (like PassWatch, included free with UltraAV) to generate strong, unique passwords.

7. Recognize the Signs of Identity Theft

If you notice unfamiliar charges, credit denials, or unexpected password reset notifications, act immediately:

  • Contact your bank or card issuer.
  • Freeze your credit with the major credit bureaus.
  • File a report with the FTC’s Identity Theft website.

The faster you act, the easier it is to contain the damage.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be about celebration, not cyber stress. By combining smart habits with modern protection tools like UltraAV, you can enjoy a safer, smoother shopping experience — without worrying about who’s watching your wallet online.

So this year, as you fill your virtual cart, take a few moments to secure your devices and verify where you’re buying. After all, peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself.

Stay safe this season — get UltraAV today and shop online with confidence.