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With so many purchasing holiday gifts, online shopping scams become more ubiquitous during the holiday season.
When making online purchases during the holidays and every day throughout the year, take the following steps to stay safe:
- Never install unfamiliar apps
- Check app reviews and the developer
- Be sure to download apps only from verified sites, such as the App Store or Google Play
Malicious email attachments are another tactic that cybercriminals use. If an attachment looks suspicious, contact the retailer or shipper directly to verify its legitimacy, or check the status of your order on the retailer’s site.
Finally, be cautious when clicking on advertisements. Malvertising is when fraudsters use ads to spread malware or to obtain personal information. Only click on ads from trusted sources, or opt to go directly to a retailer’s website instead of clicking though an ad.