1) Use your credit card
While some people remain cautious about credit cards, they offer valuable protection when shopping online that debit cards can’t compete with.
If your item doesn’t arrive, you may be able to claim the cost back through your card provider. Debit cards don’t always offer the same protection, and it can be harder to recover your money. Another bonus is, if your credit card details are stolen in a cyberattack, your main bank account will remain secure.
If your credit card details are stolen in a cyberattack, your main bank account remains secure. You could also consider using an intermediary like PayPal, which offers buyer protection if your item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described.
2) Don’t make things easy for cybercriminals
Make it as difficult as possible for cybercriminals to access your accounts by setting up two-step verification wherever possible.
Most banks offer two-step verification. This means they will send a code to your phone or email after a login attempt to give your account an added layer of security.
Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. It might be convenient, but it makes it easier for criminals to access more than one account if they get hold of your login details.
3) Think before you click
If you’ve made multiple purchases on Black Friday, you’ll likely have received more than a few order confirmation emails. Cybercriminals know this and will use it to their advantage. They may send phishing emails that look like they’re from trusted retailers or delivery services.
Clicking on the link could redirect you to a fake website asking for your bank details, or it might download malware onto your device. Even if you’re expecting confirmation emails, pause before clicking. If something feels off, it probably is.
