How to Protect Your Identity During the Holiday Shopping Season

The holidays are a time for giving — but unfortunately, they’re also a prime season for scammers, hackers, and identity thieves. With more people shopping online, using digital wallets, and applying for holiday credit, cybercriminals see endless opportunities to steal personal and financial information.

That’s why this year, before you hit “checkout,” take a few simple steps to protect your identity and your credit. A little awareness now can save you a lot of stress (and money) later.

Here’s how to stay safe while enjoying the holiday shopping season.

Use Secure Websites and Trusted Retailers

Only shop from websites you know and trust. Before entering your payment information, look for “https://” in the web address and a padlock icon — both mean the site is encrypted and secure.

Be cautious of unfamiliar online stores offering “too good to be true” deals. Many scam sites pop up around the holidays to lure shoppers with fake discounts and steal credit card information.

Pro Tip: Type the retailer’s name directly into your browser instead of clicking on links from emails or social media ads.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases

Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, malls, or airports is convenient but not secure. Hackers can easily intercept data on these networks.

If you must shop or check your bank account on the go, use your mobile data or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.

Use Credit — Not Debit — When Shopping Online

Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If someone makes unauthorized charges, it’s easier to dispute and limit your liability.

Some credit cards even generate virtual card numbers for online purchases — adding another layer of safety.

Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Scammers often send fake emails or text messages pretending to be from popular retailers, shipping companies, or even charities. These messages may ask you to “verify” an account, track a package, or claim a prize.

Never click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments. If something looks off, contact the company directly through their official website or app.

Monitor Your Credit and Accounts Regularly

The holidays are a perfect time to review your credit reports and bank statements. Look for unfamiliar accounts or transactions you don’t recognize.

The sooner you catch suspicious activity, the faster you can act to protect your identity and credit score.

Use Credit Hero Score to monitor all three credit bureaus in one place. You’ll get updates, alerts, and personalized insights to stay one step ahead of identity theft.

The holidays should be filled with joy — not financial fear. By shopping smart, staying vigilant, and monitoring your credit, you can protect your identity and your peace of mind this season.

Remember: protecting your information is protecting your future.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of security, awareness, and financial confidence.