The holidays are the busiest online shopping season of the year—millions of people searching for the perfect gifts, booking travel, and getting deals from their phones. But with the convenience of online shopping comes a rise in scams, fraud, and digital threats.
At CPSS, we want your holiday season to be joyful, stress-free, and protected. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, ordering groceries, or scheduling deliveries, here are the top Holiday Online Shopping Safety Tips to keep your personal information secure.
🎁 1. Shop Only on Secure, Trusted Websites
Before entering any personal or payment information, check for:
- “https://” at the start of the website
- A padlock icon in the address bar
- Clean, professional design
- Clear customer service information
If a deal looks too good to be true—it usually is.
🛒 2. Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops, and hotels is convenient but risky. Hackers can intercept what you’re typing, including:
- Addresses
- Credit card numbers
- Login information
If you must shop on the go, use your cellular data or a trusted home network.
🔐 3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Shopping accounts often store sensitive info. Protect yours by using:
- A mix of numbers, letters, and symbols
- Different passwords for each site
- A password manager to keep it simple
Avoid using your name, birthday, or common words.
📦 4. Track Packages Often
Package theft spikes during the holidays. Track your shipments and use smart delivery preferences such as:
- Requiring a signature
- Delivering to a work address
- Using pickup lockers or secure delivery points
If you have the CPSS Doorbell Camera or CPSS Outdoor Cameras, you’ll get real-time alerts when packages arrive.
💳 5. Use Credit Cards—Not Debit Cards
Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection and make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges.
Even better? Use virtual card numbers whenever your bank offers them.
📱 6. Watch for Fake Delivery Notices
Scammers send convincing texts and emails pretending to be:
- UPS
- USPS
- FedEx
- Amazon
They’ll claim your package is delayed or missing and ask you to click a link.
Never click unexpected links.
Instead, check your tracking directly from the retailer.
🎄 7. Don’t Save Your Payment Info on Websites
It’s convenient—but risky. If a retailer is hacked, your stored cards could be exposed.
Enter your card manually each time or use secure payment apps like:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
These mask your real card number.
💻 8. Keep Your Devices Updated
Install updates on:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Web browsers
Updates often include security fixes that protect your personal data.
🧑💻 9. Be Cautious of Social Media Ads
Holiday scams frequently appear as:
- Flash sales
- Luxury items at extremely low prices
- Limited-time promotions
Before buying:
- Search the company name + “reviews”
- Look for a physical address
- Check if the brand exists outside social media
🔔 10. Use Smart Security Tools at Home
More deliveries mean more opportunity for theft. CPSS smart security tools help you protect your purchases and your home:
- CPSS Doorbell Camera: See and speak with visitors instantly.
- CPSS Outdoor Camera & AI Deterrence: Get alerts before someone approaches your porch.
- Smart Locks: Lock or unlock your door remotely for trusted delivery or guests.
- CPSS Mobile App Alerts: Stay aware of activity around your home in real time.
A safer home means a more peaceful holiday season.
This Holiday Season, Shop Smart and Stay Safe
Online shopping should make your holiday easier—not riskier. With a few smart habits and the right security tools, you can enjoy fast shipping, great deals, and the peace of mind that your information and home stay protected.
📞 For smart home security that protects your holidays and your everyday life, call 800-949-1799.
