The holiday season brings festive cheer—and a surge in online shopping. Unfortunately, it also brings a rise in scams and cyber threats. Cybercriminals know shoppers are busy, distracted, and eager to grab deals, making November and December prime time for phishing campaigns, fake websites, and identity theft attempts.
As UC employees, we’re not just protecting our personal information—we’re also safeguarding the university’s digital ecosystem. A compromised account or device can put institutional data at risk, so practicing good cybersecurity habits at home is just as important as following UC security protocols at work. Staying vigilant helps keep both your holiday shopping and UC systems safe.
Why Holiday Scams Are on the Rise
Online shopping is projected to hit record highs this season, and scammers are taking advantage of the rush. Common tactics include:
- Fake retailer websites that mimic legitimate brands.
- Phishing emails and texts claiming delivery issues or payment problems.
- Social media ads promoting “too good to be true” deals.
- Gift card scams and fraudulent charity appeals.
According to the FBI, non-delivery and non-payment scams cost consumers hundreds of millions annually, and phishing attempts spike by over 600% during the holidays.
Four Simple Ways to Shop Safer Online
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and easier dispute options. If your information is compromised, you’re less likely to suffer financial losses.
- Don’t click on unfamiliar links Scammers often impersonate retailers via email or text to lure you into fake websites. Always navigate directly to the retailer’s official site.
- Look for signs of a secure site Before entering payment details, confirm the site is secure by checking for “https://” and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
- Be wary of “too good to be true” deals If a price seems unbelievable, it probably is. Stick with trusted retailers and avoid unfamiliar sites offering steep discounts.
Good Cybersecurity Habits
Go beyond the basics with these expert-recommended steps:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): UC systems require MFA—extend this to your personal accounts for added protection.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager can help you create and store them safely.
- Update Your Devices: Install software updates before shopping to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: If you must shop on the go, use a VPN to secure your connection.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Set up alerts and review statements regularly to catch fraud early.
A little caution goes a long way in keeping your holidays joyful and scam-free. Slow down, verify before you click, and use secure payment methods. By combining these habits, you’ll protect yourself—and help safeguard UC’s digital ecosystem.
If you suspect a phishing attempt or receive a suspicious email on your UC account, report it immediately using your campus IT security process.
