Protect Yourself from Holiday Shopping Scams and Unsafe Websites

Online holiday shopping is more convenient than ever—but it also opens the door to scams, fake websites, and fraudulent ads designed to steal personal and financial information. Safe Online Shopping is a clear, easy-to-read 1-page digital or printable reference guide that teaches users how to shop safely during peak shopping seasons and avoid common traps.

This resource breaks down essential safety practices, such as updating devices, installing reputable antivirus tools, and sticking to official app stores when shopping on mobile. It also highlights the biggest red flags of online fraud—from phishing texts and fake login pages to social media ads offering prices that seem “too good to be true.” Users learn how to verify website legitimacy, spot look-alike domains, and protect their payment information.

The guide also includes simple tips for safer checkout habits, such as using credit cards over debit, enabling real-time bank alerts, and monitoring accounts for irregular activity. With cybercriminals increasingly targeting shoppers through email, text, and social platforms, this resource helps employees and their families stay cyber-smart all season long.

As with all Aware Force resources, this guide can be custom-branded with your organization’s logo to support internal training and reinforce your cybersecurity messaging.

  Ideas for How to Use This Resource

• Include in seasonal cybersecurity awareness campaigns (holiday or year-end)
• Share with employees via intranet, email newsletters, or LMS portals
• Add to onboarding materials for new employees during Q4 or retail-heavy seasons
• Use during fraud-prevention workshops or financial wellness sessions
• Distribute as a take-home guide to help protect employees’ families during holiday shopping