Unfortunately, the holiday season brings a spike in scams and fraudulent activity aimed at online shoppers.  As more people shop online and manage their finances digitally, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to steal personal and financial information.

At INB, protecting your financial wellbeing is a top priority. Here are 10 tips to help you shop online safely and keep your money secure this holiday season.

1. Shop With Trusted Retailers

When possible, buy directly from reputable websites and well-known brands. If you’re shopping online, navigate to the retailer’s website by typing the URL into your browser yourself rather than clicking on links from emails or social media ads. Fake websites often look convincing but may steal card numbers or never deliver products.

Shopping online Tip: Be cautious of unfamiliar retailers offering massive discounts. If a deal is too good to be true, it’s often a scam.

2. Check Website Security Before You Pay

Before entering credit card information, always confirm you’re on a secure page.

Look for:

• https:// at the start of the URL
• A padlock icon next to the web address
• Proper spelling in the domain name
• A clean, professional layout

URL Tip: Small changes—such as “amaz0n.com”—are red flags indicating a spoofed website.

3.  Use Secure Payment Methods

Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud. Debit cards draw directly from your checking account, which can make disputes more difficult.

Try avoiding paying for items through:

• Wire transfers
• Gift cards
• Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle (unless you personally know the seller)

Scammers often request these payment types because they’re harder to trace.

4.  Don’t Click Suspicious Links or Attachments

Holiday-themed phishing scams surge every year. Slow down and pay attention when ordering online.  A few examples to watch out for include:

• Fake package delivery alerts
• “Order confirmation” emails for purchases you didn’t make
• Ads for deep discounts
• Text messages claiming your account is locked

When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking the link.

5.  Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds a layer of security by requiring both your password and a temporary code. Enable MFA everywhere you can, including:

• Your email
• Online banking
• Shopping accounts
• Social media

This makes it significantly harder for someone to access your accounts—even if they obtain your password.

6.  Track Packages Safely

Scammers often send fake shipping notifications loaded with malware. To stay safe against this type of scam:

• Track shipments only through official carrier websites
• Be cautious of unexpected messages claiming a “delivery issue”
• Avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders

7.  Verify Charities Before You Donate

The holiday spirit inspires generosity—but scammers take advantage of this. Always verify a charity before donating.  One way to confirm is to visit the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.  Always be skeptical of emotional appeals, urgent requests, or charities you’ve never heard of.

8.  Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Checking your bank and credit card activity frequently helps you catch fraud early. Turn on account alerts through the INB Digital app so you’re notified of:

• Large transactions
• Purchases over a certain amount
• New logins to your online banking

Early detection is one of the best tools for stopping fraud quickly.  If you suspect fraud, call INB right away.'

9.  Keep Documentation of Your Purchases

Save order confirmations, receipts, and tracking numbers. If something goes wrong with your purchase—or you need to dispute a charge—having these details helps resolve the issue faster.

10.  Protect Your Devices

A few simple steps can go a long way in defending against cyber threats:

• Keep your phone and computer software updated
• Use antivirus protection
• Avoid shopping or banking on public Wi-Fi
• Use a VPN when possible

Stay Safe and Shop Smart This Holiday Season

By staying alert, shopping smart, and using secure practices, you can protect yourself from scams and enjoy the season worry-free.

If you notice suspicious activity on your INB account or need help, our team is here to support you.  Please call us at 877-771-2316 or visit your local branch.  Timing is everything when it comes to fraud!