The holiday season brings joy, celebration—and unfortunately, a sharp rise in online scams. As shoppers flock to digital stores in search of the perfect gifts, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts, targeting distracted buyers with increasingly sophisticated schemes.
At Sure Systems, we believe your holiday shopping should be merry, bright, and secure. Use this guide to protect your wallet, your personal information, and your peace of mind.
1) Shop Smart: Stick With Trusted Retailers
The golden rule of safe online shopping? Buy from retailers you know and trust.
- Choose reputable sellers
- Shop official brand websites, well-known retailers, and established marketplaces.
- Watch for “too good to be true” deals
- Scammers lure shoppers with unrealistic prices. Before you click Buy Now, compare the price across a few trusted sites.
- Beware of website clones
- Fraudsters create look-alike websites that differ by a letter or symbol (example:
amazon-deals.coinstead ofamazon.com).
- Fraudsters create look-alike websites that differ by a letter or symbol (example:
Before purchasing, always:
- Double-check the domain (spelling matters)
- Look for HTTPS in the web address
- Confirm the site shows a valid security certificate (click the lock icon in your browser)
2) Protect Your Payment (and Your Personal Info)
- Share only what’s necessary
- If checkout asks for your Social Security number, photo ID, or other unnecessary personal details, that’s a red flag. Legitimate retailers don’t need it.
- Use credit cards instead of debit
- Credit cards typically offer stronger fraud protection. You can find more consumer guidance from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
- Avoid unusual payment methods
- Be cautious of sellers demanding:
- Zelle
- Cash App
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin or others)
- Be cautious of sellers demanding:
These payment types are hard to reverse and commonly tied to scam operations.
3) Secure Your Accounts
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Aim for 16+ characters and store them in a reputable password manager (like Keeper or another trusted option).
- Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- A quick extra step—like a code or authenticator app—adds a powerful layer of protection.
- Keep devices updated
- Install the latest security patches on your phone, tablet, and computer to reduce vulnerabilities.
4) Spot Scams and Avoid “Cyber Grinches”
- Be alert for phishing
- Scammers use emails, ads, and texts promoting fake deals or asking for personal info. If a message pressures you to act fast, slow down. The Anti-Phishing Working Group provides great resources on identifying phishing attempts.
- Be careful with resale listings
- High-demand items attract bots and resellers—sometimes fraudulent.
- Don’t trust “delivery problem” texts
- Couriers like Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, and DHL won’t demand extra fees via text. If you’re unsure, track packages directly through the courier’s official website.
5) Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Even with precautions, fraud can happen. Catching it early makes a huge difference.
- Review bank and credit card statements and report unfamiliar charges immediately
- Enable transaction alerts so you’re notified the moment a charge happens
- Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts or loans in your name
6) Shop Safely on Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are packed with ads—some legitimate, many not.
Before buying, verify:
- The account looks real (history, engagement, followers—not just a glossy storefront)
- The website has real contact info and clear policies
- Reviews look natural and varied (not repetitive or copy-pasted)
If something feels off, trust your instincts and skip the link.
Keep the Cyber Spirit All Year Long
Holiday scams spike between November and January, but cybercriminals don’t take the rest of the year off. The habits you build now—strong passwords, smart shopping, and phishing awareness—help protect you every day.
Give yourself the gift of security this season: stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.
Ready to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity? Let Sure Systems Help.
At Sure Systems, we provide comprehensive cybersecurity services to keep your business, your team, and your data protected—during the holidays and all year long.
From security awareness training to managed threat monitoring, we help ensure threats are identified early and stopped quickly.
Book your free cybersecurity consultation today.
Keep your organization protected this holiday season, because peace of mind is the best gift of all.