Cyber news, tools & one smart career path.
5 min read
Quick Reality Check
The holiday shopping rush brings the biggest spike in online scams all year. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner, scammers launch fake ads, fake tracking texts and fake checkouts to trick people into handing over personal and financial information.
What happened:
Scammers love the holidays, even more than we do, because they know this is when you're the most distracted! You're rushing to grab deals, checking out on sites you've never used before to buy gifts for your loved ones, and just trying to get everything done before the end of the year. And that's when mistakes happen. You click a fake shipping update or fall for a too-good-to-be-true discount, and that's exactly what scammers count on!
Why it matters:
When your personal details are already out there, scammers don’t need guesswork; they script their attacks around you. The holiday rush, bundled with excitement and distraction, gives them the perfect window to strike. If you aren’t careful, a quick online purchase could lead to stolen identity, drained cards, or malware on your device.
60-Second Protection Fix
Holidays are prime time for scams, here’s how you stay safe without overthinking it:
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Don’t click links from “delivery” texts or emails. Go straight to the carrier’s site or app and check your tracking there. If it feels urgent, pause and verify first .
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Watch for fake stores and deals. Check for https and the padlock, real contact info, clean grammar, non-blurry photos, and legit reviews. A “designer” bag for $40 is a no .
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Avoid impulse pet purchases. Puppy scams spike during the holidays; always vet sellers and pay by credit card so you have dispute rights. Skip PayPal/Venmo for this .
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If you’re asked to act fast or pay in weird ways (gift cards, wires, crypto), stop. That’s a scam pattern. Verify through official channels you find yourself.
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Lock down your accounts: turn on MFA, use unique passwords, and consider freezing your credit if you’re not applying for loans. It kills a ton of fraud attempts.
Want more tips? I put together a quick, practical guide to help you spot the small mistakes that put your digital life at risk and how to fix them fast. Inside, you’ll find simple, effective tips that actually make a difference, including how to freeze your credit to protect yourself from identity theft. Download my Everyday Tips To Keep You Safe Online guide.
What You Missed This Week
We need your help! We’ve been nominated for a TikTok Award! I’m incredibly grateful for this nomination and I’d love your support to help us WIN! This is a BIG category and every vote counts and you can vote once a day everyday until Dec 2 ! (must have a TikTok account). Click on the image or here to vote
Check Out Threat Intelligence (aka “The Keepers of Knowledge”)
Fraud Analysts monitor suspicious transactions, investigate scam patterns and block malicious activity before victims lose money. During the holiday season, they track fake orders, cloned cards and phishing waves in real time. If you enjoy spotting patterns, analyzing data and protecting people, this path might be for you.
Learn more about Threat Intelligence in my Free Intro Course: Cyber Paths 101
Let’s keep building together!
Stay protected,
Cybersecurity Girl
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