Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2026: Online Shopping Safety Tips to Avoid Scams
The holiday shopping season is here, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday bringing exciting deals, it's also important to stay alert to online threats. Cybercriminals often take advantage of increased online activity through phishing scams, fake websites, and fraudulent offers designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Follow these simple cybersecurity tips to keep your information secure and enjoy a safer shopping experience.
Shop with Trusted Retailers
Whether you're searching for the perfect gift or the latest smart technology, always purchase from reputable retailers. Before entering payment information, verify the website URL, look for "https://" in the address bar, and confirm the domain name belongs to the retailer you intend to visit.
It's also a good idea to check reviews and ratings when shopping with a new seller. This extra step can help you avoid online shopping scams and fraudulent websites.
Practice Safe Online Shopping on Secure Wi-Fi
One of the most important internet safety tips is to avoid making purchases over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals can sometimes exploit public networks to intercept sensitive information.
For the safest experience, shop using your secure home network. Home Telecom customers can strengthen their home Wi-Fi security with the MyWiFi Xtreme App. The app allows users to manage connected devices, update Wi-Fi passwords, create guest networks, and monitor activity across their secure home network.
Stay Connected with SmartTown®
Shopping, dining, or attending community events this holiday season? Home Telecom's SmartTown® community Wi-Fi helps residents and visitors stay connected while on the go.
While public Wi-Fi is convenient, it's important to remember that not all online activities are created equal. Avoid accessing banking websites, entering credit card information, or logging into sensitive accounts when connected to any public Wi-Fi network. Save those activities for a trusted, secure connection at home whenever possible.
Using safe online shopping habits, even on trusted public networks, can help reduce your risk of identity theft and account compromise.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Holiday shoppers are frequent targets of phishing scams. These scams often appear as emails or text messages claiming to be from popular retailers, delivery companies, or shipping providers.
Before clicking a link, verify the sender and look for warning signs such as misspellings, unusual requests, or urgent demands for payment. When in doubt, visit the retailer's website directly instead of clicking links within the message.
For additional guidance on identifying online shopping scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Advice website: https://consumer.ftc.gov/.
Create Strong Passwords and Enable Multifactor Authentication
Using strong, unique passwords for your shopping accounts helps protect your personal information. Whenever available, enable multifactor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of cybersecurity protection.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) requires an additional verification step and can help prevent unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.
Protect Your Privacy This Cyber Monday
During Cyber Monday sales, retailers often encourage shoppers to create accounts and save payment information for future purchases. While convenient, it's wise to be selective about where you store personal information.
Review privacy settings, avoid sharing unnecessary details, and only save payment information with trusted retailers you use regularly.
Shop Smarter This Holiday Season
By following a few simple cybersecurity best practices, you can enjoy the savings of Black Friday and Cyber Monday while protecting your personal information.
Remember to:
- Use secure Wi-Fi whenever possible.
- Practice safe online shopping habits.
- Be alert for phishing scams.
- Verify seller reviews before purchasing.
- Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
- Protect your online privacy on public networks.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
At Home Telecom, we're committed to helping our customers stay connected with reliable internet service, SmartTown® community Wi-Fi, and tools like the MyWiFi Xtreme App to help create a more secure online experience.
FAQ: Safe Online Shopping
How can I avoid online shopping scams?
Shop with reputable retailers, verify website URLs, avoid suspicious links, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Is it safe to shop on public Wi-Fi?
It's best to avoid entering payment or banking information on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a secure home network whenever possible.
What is a phishing scam?
A phishing scam is a fraudulent email, text, or message designed to trick you into sharing personal or financial information.
Should I use multifactor authentication for shopping accounts?
Yes. Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of protection and can help prevent unauthorized account access.