In case you have not heard, Prime Day 2024 is July 16-17. New data from the Federal Trade Commission shows that Amazon is among the top four most frequently impersonated companies by scammers. Bad actors will employ deceptive tactics to steal your money and trick you into sharing your personal information. These tactics include phishing emails, text messages, fake websites, malicious pop-ups, and social media posts.
Are you planning on shopping for some deals this season?
Here is how to protect yourself from scams:
Use a Credit Card (And Not a Debit Card):
- It is safer to use a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online.
- Credit card companies and banks will often offer the option to withhold the transaction in case of any fraud happening via your online purchase.
- Keep an eye on your bank statements and past transaction history.
- Avoid saving your credit card information in your browser. Storing your credit card information online will put you at increased risk of your card information being stolen by bad actors.
- To manage and delete credit card information stored in your browser, follow the steps below.
- Chrome: Open a Chrome browser window > navigate to the three vertical dots in the top right corner > hover over the passwords and autofill dropdown > select payment methods.
- Edge: Open an Edge browser window > navigate to the three horizontal dots in the top right corner > select settings > under profiles, scroll down to Microsoft Wallet > select payment info.
- Safari: Open the Safari app on your Mac > select Safari > select settings > select AutoFill > select credit cards > select edit and follow onscreen instructions.
- Chrome: Open a Chrome browser window > navigate to the three vertical dots in the top right corner > hover over the passwords and autofill dropdown > select payment methods.
Avoid Clicking on Ads or Pop-ups:
- If you are inclined to buy a product advertised on social media, never click on the post or link. Instead, you should look up the product and company name on your web browser to help you identify a valid vendor of the product.
- Before making an online purchase, confirm that the website is secure.
- Secure websites will have a “s” at the end of the http in the beginning of the URL.
- Look for a lock icon on the far-left side of the address bar. This lock signifies a secure connection between you and the site.
- If you visit a site with known safety issues, the browser will usually inform you by presenting a warning that your connection is not private.
- Consider reading product reviews before making a purchase from a new website.
Do Not Link Your Vital Information:
- Fill in your personal information each time you make a purchase rather than storing your passwords in the browser.
- To manage and delete passwords stored in your browser, follow the steps below:
- Chrome: Open a Chrome browser window > navigate to the three vertical dots in the top right corner > hover over the passwords and autofill dropdown > select Google Password Manager.
- Edge: Open an Edge browser window > navigate to the three horizontal dots in the top right corner > select settings > under profiles, scroll down to Microsoft Wallet > select passwords.
- Safari: From the Safari menu > select settings (or preferences) > select passwords > enter your password > select a website > select show details button.
- Chrome: Open a Chrome browser window > navigate to the three vertical dots in the top right corner > hover over the passwords and autofill dropdown > select Google Password Manager.
Use Powerful Anti-Malware/Antivirus Software:
- Installing a trustworthy anti-virus and anti-malware software will prevent hackers from injecting malware into your device.
- This software will detect malicious sites and activities to prevent you from logging in.
Be Aware of Unsolicited Text Messages:
- If you receive a text message regarding a recent order or shipment, do not click on the link nor respond to the message. Instead, you should log into your Amazon account to verify and update any required information.
Most phishing strategies aimed at Amazon customers prey on their misunderstanding of how the retailer communicates with consumers. So, if you do decide to take advantage of Amazon’s Prime Day deals, never click on a link that you are not 100% sure came from Amazon and be sure to keep track of what has been ordered and when it is expected to arrive.
Visit here for more cyber security tips, news, and information.
We hope you have a safe shopping experience this Prime Day!