This holiday season, as you’re busy enjoying time with your loved ones and wrapping up your last-minute shopping, please be on guard. The most wonderful time of the year can be the most dangerous time for online scams and other cybercriminal activity. In fact, Visa has warned that attempted fraud is up by a stunning 85% this holiday season. Don’t let the stress of the season be a reason to let your guard down. Stay vigilant against scammers, and avoid a blue Christmas with these helpful tips.

Cybersecurity Tips

• Only shop from trusted retailers – Some cyberattackers may try to trick you by creating malicious websites that appear to be legitimate. Only shop from reputable online stores, and check for secure website indicators, like “HTTPS.” Verify unfamiliar retailers by reviewing customer feedback and verifying the physical address and support number.

• Avoid saving your card details on the Internet – Unless you’re signing up for an automated payment service, entering your credit card information manually for every transaction is good practice. While it seems tedious, it helps minimize the chances of unauthorized access.
• Think before you click – If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for holiday-themed phishing messages with enticing offers, bogus charity drives, fake shipping details or urgent requests for personal information. Double-check email addresses, scrutinize links and verify every “urgent” request before clicking. Also, never give out personal information over the phone. As a reminder, Houston Methodist will never ask you for your password or sensitive personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi – If you’re traveling during the holidays, avoid using public Wi-Fi for work or online banking or shopping, as it can be easily compromised (e.g., coffee shop, airport, a shared family computer). Only use secure connections, such as VPNs, especially if you’re working remotely. Use multifactor authentication (MFA), and always make sure you’re using a strong password. A little extra caution on the road goes a long way.
• Don’t use work devices for personal tasks – The holiday rush can make it tempting to use your personal devices for work tasks, or vice versa. This leaves sensitive information vulnerable to cybercriminals and their scams. Only use personal devices for personal tasks, and never use your work devices for personal use.
• Don’t click on links in emails or answer calls from banks – Social engineering scams are common during the holidays. Attackers will pose as bank or credit card representatives and call you to report a transaction on your card. Don’t engage in the conversation. Immediately hang up and call the number on the back of your card to make sure you’re speaking with a legitimate bank representative.

• Use a credit card, not a debit card, if possible – There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection for your debit cards. Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for suspicious charges, and immediately notify your bank or financial institution and local law enforcement if you find fraud.