The holidays are here! Bringing joy, time off from school and work, and days spent with friends and loved ones. But they can also bring added stressors. Whether you’re stretching your financial resources to afford gifts, struggling with travel plans, or rushing to get everything ready before taking some time off, the extra costs and stress could make you more distracted and feel overwhelmed. Why does this matter?
When we’re distracted and trying to multitask, we become more susceptible to hackers, scammers, and Cybermonsters. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to steal money or access sensitive data. The holidays are an opportunity they can exploit because of our desire to get ahead and find the best deals for fear of missing out. Cybermonsters could trick us into giving up personal information, credit card numbers, or bank account credentials.
How Do I Protect Myself During the Online Shopping Season?
The Be I AM (Be Intentional, Aware, and Mindful) is a simple practice you can incorporate and avoid becoming a victim during this shopping season.
Be Intentional
Being Intentional means acting purposefully. Setting an intention can help with your budget and your safety. For example, you might think you’re getting a great deal because you’ve found a coupon code, but sometimes those codes aren’t legitimate. If you see a discount on an item you want, check out the seller’s reviews and ratings to ensure you’re dealing with someone reputable. Follow these three recommendations to Be Intentional:
Visit the main website instead of clicking an offer over email or text. Beware of online marketplaces you’ve never heard of before. If the offer looks too good to be true, it probably is!
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