Chances are you’re already seeing the signs of sparkle and bling that mean the holidays are coming. Halloween candy is out; candy canes are in. Some of you may even be planning a trip to the stores the moment you lick the whipped cream from that empty plate of pumpkin pie.
While expectations for the holiday season are moderate, online shopping forecasts are promising. According to Mastercard, e-commerce sales are expected to grow 7.9% this year, as compared to a 2.3% increase in US brick-and-mortar sales. And Adobe Business forecasts that for the first time, more than a quarter of a trillion dollars ($253.4 billion) will be spent online this holiday season (Nov. 1–Dec. 31).
But before you start digging into those sales, let’s take a moment for some online shopping best practices to help keep your wallet and your identity safe.
Shop Smart
Start by shopping online only at reputable sites. Make sure they are using an SSL certificate and resolve at an “https://” address before you hand over any personal or financial information. Check for the padlock next to the URL for confirmation.
’Tis the season for lots of advertising, but be cautious about clicking email links. Consider with care any deal that seems too good to be true, and check that the URL looks correct before you visit. If there’s something you really want, but you’re not sure about a vendor, look for alternate sellers.
Keep your information to yourself. If you don’t need to create an account, skip it. And if you do have to register, try to use single sign-on with an existing account such as Google or Microsoft to minimize the need to create a new ID and password. This is also a key moment for a password manager, which can help you keep up with accounts you only use once a year.
Finally, this year marks a potential breakthrough in using AI to facilitate the shopping process. If you’re taking advantage of AI-focused web browsers or agents to help look for specific items or shop for deals, remember to be careful about how much power and autonomy you pass along. Always make sure you’re staying in the loop and confirming the details of any recommendations before purchasing.
Give Smart
This is also the time of year for online giving. Thousands of charities will collect millions of dollars in the coming weeks, but this too is an opportunity for scams.
There are great resources available that objectively rate charities on their impact — and accountability — making it easier to feel secure that your money will be used well. If you’re not sure who or how to support, check out sites like Charity Navigator and Give Well.
Avoid the instinct to spend after reading a sad email or social post. If you are inspired to support a cause, start your own research and look for a group to support on your terms. And if you do click on links in an email or social share, make sure you’re going to a legitimate site. A fake charity — or even a fake version of a charity site — can collect a lot of money before people realize the scam.
Pay Smart
Whatever you’re purchasing, make sure you’re working through reputable payment tools like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or others. It’s also a good idea to use a credit card for online purchases, which can be used to protect yourself in case you need to contest charges for an item that arrives (or doesn’t) in a less-than-ideal state. Finally, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit card statements to be alert for suspicious charges.
Final Thoughts
It has never been easier to purchase things online. Double-clicking with your device to complete a transaction is a frictionless and delightful process — but it also avoids the opportunities to reconsider your purchase. And remember, you’re also sharing personal information when you complete that process, including name and address. Take a moment before you click to make sure your purchase makes sense, and that you’re comfortable sharing your information with the vendor.
And don’t forget, Cary has so many amazing businesses! Maybe give the devices a break and do a bit of in-person shopping at a few of your favorite local shops this holiday.
