It’s officially holiday season and that means shoppers are looking for fantastic deals online. Especially during this unprecedented pandemic, shoppers will look to cyberspace to find that perfect gift. While it is tempting to find the best deal possible online, it is best to assume an abundance of caution around sites that offer a product at a significant discount compared to its competitors. Bad guys are out there.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center cited its highest number of complaints and dollars lost from victims (businesses and individuals) in 2019 with more than $3.5 billion since the center was established in 2000. Often enough, payment without the goods delivered, scams and extortion ranked high on their list. This should keep shoppers aware of the risks involved. But there is no need to panic.

Shopping online can be a secure and a fantastic option for finding the ultimate gift for the right price during the holidays. Just be sure to adhere to these tips to remain secure while shopping in cyberspace.

• Sometimes it’s best to stay with what you know: However tempting a deal may be, using familiar websites to shop online may be the best bet. World-renowned sites like Amazon and Target offer guaranteed goods with the ability to track your package as it is delivered. And a simple refund process if anything goes wrong is nice, too. Major retail outlets might not provide the best deals online, but they are secure and far less likely to scam an individual or business.
• The lock is key to shopping online: Never provide credit card information to sites that don’t have the SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. If a site doesn’t have the HTTPS on its URL, it is advised to stay away. The lock icon on the far-left side of the URL address tells users if the site is secure.
• If it’s too good to be true, it probably is: Sites that offer rock-bottom prices for products which are usually expensive should be seen as enormous red flags to shoppers. Compare that price to familiar sites offering similar products and see if this is a scam. Google is now even flagging sites that don’t have the “s” in HTTPS to help prevent this issue from continuing.
• Practice social distancing, especially online: Typing your credit card information into a computer is a fantastic opportunity for scammers to take a peek at the numbers. Scammers can glance over your shoulder, take pictures of you and your credit card or scheme up a number of diabolical ideas. It’s best to practice social distancing protocols this holiday season by shopping from the safety and comfort of home.
• Avoid shopping using public Wi-Fi networks: Apart from the above reasons for exposing yourself in the physical world, using sensitive information on public airwaves is easy pickings for anyone with a little tech know-how. Identity thieves can browse what you’re looking at on the web and take advantage. Unless it wasn’t already clear, don’t shop online in public. It’s just not a good call.

In the unfortunate circumstance of getting exposed to cyber fraud, don’t be afraid to report the website to the appropriate authority. First, complain to the seller. If there is no response, the Federal Trade Commission would be more than happy to help. Try to buy from domestic sites. In the unlikely event you do get scammed, there is a federal agency available to assist. Shopping online can be entirely secure and even fun when taking the necessary precautions. Just be sure to shop with your eyes wide open this Black Friday.