Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Holiday Cyber Safety & Credit Card Protection Guide

Smart Steps to Keep Your Information and Deliveries Safe This Winter

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for both shoppers and cybercriminals. With more in-store purchases, increased online shopping, and a surge in package deliveries, it’s important to stay mindful of how and where your financial information is being used. A few simple habits can make holiday shopping much safer, whether you’re browsing in person or clicking through online deals.

Stay Safe While Shopping In-Store
When shopping in stores, small actions can significantly reduce your risk of credit card fraud. Using a credit card instead of a debit card provides stronger protection if something goes wrong. At checkout, be sure to shield the keypad when entering your PIN, and take a moment to look at the card reader before using it, anything loose, bulky, or out of place could indicate a skimming device.

It’s also wise to always keep your card in sight. If a cashier needs to take it behind a counter or out of view, politely ask for an alternative process. Hold on to your receipts until you’ve confirmed your charges on your statement and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi when using payment apps or digital wallets inside stores. These small steps strengthen the security of every purchase you make.

Shop Online with Confidence
Online shopping offers convenience, but it also attracts a higher number of scams during the holidays. Always make sure the websites you buy from are secure by checking for the “https” prefix and the lock icon in your browser. Be cautious with promotional emails or text messages, especially those advertising limited-time deals, since many are designed to lure shoppers into clicking fake links.

Good password habits also matter. Using strong, unique passwords for retail and financial accounts helps prevent unauthorized access, and a password manager can simplify the process. Enabling multi-factor authentication provides an additional barrier that cybercriminals have a difficult time bypassing. If your card issuer offers virtual card numbers for online purchases, consider using them. And remember that public or shared computers are never the right place to store or enter card information.

A Season for Extra Monitoring
Because holiday spending tends to increase, keeping a closer eye on your accounts is especially important. Real-time transaction alerts can help you catch unusual activity immediately. Reviewing your statements more frequently can also ensure no unauthorized charges slip through. If something doesn’t look right, contacting your card issuer promptly will help limit your liability and prevent further misuse.

Protect Deliveries from Porch Pirates
Holiday shopping doesn’t end when you check out, protecting your packages has become an essential part of the process. Using delivery tracking and signing up for text or app notifications ensures you know when items arrive. High-value purchases may warrant requiring a signature. If you’re not home during the day, consider sending packages to a secure locker, a neighborhood pickup point, or even your workplace if permitted.

Simple home security measures help as well. Doorbell cameras, outdoor lighting, and clearly visible delivery instructions all reduce the likelihood of theft.

A Safer, Smarter Holiday Season
By staying aware of how your information is used, being cautious about where you shop, and taking extra steps to secure deliveries, you can reduce your exposure to financial fraud and package theft. With a thoughtful approach, you can focus on what truly matters this season while keeping your finances and purchases safe.

Need Extra Protection this Holiday Season?
Contact Lawley for a review of your insurance policies and ask about cyber insurance coverage.