Cyber Monday is here, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is offering several tips to help keep the online shopping experience as safe as possible for Marion County residents this holiday season.
“We know many of you will be shopping online, not only today but throughout the holiday season,” stated MCSO on its Facebook page. In an effort to help residents avoid falling victim to online scams, the sheriff’s office recommends that all online shoppers follow these tips:
- Do not click on any email from a sender you are unfamiliar with. This is one of the most successful ways that scammers can get your information.
- Look for secure websites and checkouts. Check the URL – a website with the “s” in the http (https://) has an extra layer of security.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Shop with brands and stores that you trust. For example, if you see a brand-new Apple iPad for 80% off, there is a high probability that it is a scam.
- When ready to make a payment, the best practice is to use a trusted payment method like PayPal that does not give your credit card information to the seller.
- Make sure that you check your credit card and bank statements regularly. That way, you can catch any suspicious activity as soon as possible.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office added, “We all get caught up in the excitement of the great deals during the holiday season, but you need to shop safely.”