The holiday season has a way of lifting spirits. Decorations show up earlier every year, coffee shops swap to their winter flavors, and families start planning those familiar rituals that make the season feel bright. Online shopping is part of that rhythm now. A few taps on a phone, a quick checkout, and gifts are already on their way. It’s convenient, feels effortless, and keeps us focused on the fun parts of the season.
Yet, as cheerful as this time of year is, it also gives cybercriminals an opportunity. People are often distracted, moving quickly, and more likely to trust links that seem helpful or festive. Ironically, the best defenses are the same simple precautions we’ve all heard before. They aren’t complicated or technical; it’s just a matter of taking a brief moment to slow down. Still, in the holiday rush, many people overlook these basic steps and end up skipping them entirely.
2025 Holiday Spending Continues to Climb
Let’s break down some of the latest holiday shopping statistics:
- Over $117 billion in online holiday sales were reported by Adobe’s 2025 Digital Economy Index—before December even started.
- Nearly 80% of Americans plan to do most of their holiday shopping online, according to a recent McAfee poll.
- At the same time, 40% of shoppers admit they’ve already fallen for a holiday scam in the past.
- 72% of payment card breaches still come from compromised web applications, based on the 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report. Card skimming scripts remain a favorite attack method because they’re profitable and hard to detect until it’s too late.
What do these numbers tell us? Online shopping is more convenient and more popular than ever, but threats are growing alongside it. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, making it easy for even cautious shoppers to get caught off guard.
Seven Simple Ways to Stay Safe this Holiday Season
1. Check your statements often
This is the easiest habit of all. A quick look at your credit card or bank activity every few days can save you from a long cleanup later. Still, most people do not do it during the holidays because the season feels busy and joyful. A few minutes of review can stop a problem before it grows.
2. Use credit cards, not debit cards
We already know this rule, but in the rush of holiday shopping, many people still grab whichever card is nearest. Debit cards draw directly from your bank account. If they are compromised through a fake checkout page or a malicious script, your money disappears instantly. Credit cards give you time to dispute charges and protection against unauthorized charges.
3. Prefer third-party payment vendors and push payments
PayPal, Venmo, Google Wallet, and Apple Pay keep your primary card hidden. Push payments give you control because you initiate the transfer. It is a simple change in behavior, yet one that very few people adopt consistently.
4. Slow down before opening holiday emails
In December, inboxes feel like snowstorms. Promotions, shipping updates, end-of-year newsletters, and friendly greetings blend together. Cybercriminals know this, and they use it. The truth is that most people click first and think later. A short pause can prevent a long headache.
5. Never complete forms in unsolicited emails
If an email requests personal information, do not enter anything. Go directly to the website yourself. This is another classic rule we have all heard a hundred times, but holiday urgency makes people forget it. This is exactly what scammers count on.
6. Verify shipping alerts by checking the shipper’s website directly
Fake shipping notifications are everywhere during December. Even when the message looks polished, it can lead to a credential-stealing site. Instead of clicking the link, type the shipping company’s website into your browser and enter the tracking number manually.
7. Choose gift cards carefully
Gift cards remain a go-to last-minute present, but exposed numbers can be stolen long before you buy the card. Pick cards from the back of the rack or choose sealed versions with concealed codes. It is another small habit that protects you from an unnecessary surprise.
Check out the video below to learn more about SMS phishing (smishing) and watch how you can deal with a real life example of one of these fraudulent notifications.
Simple Works, If We Actually Do It
Online shopping is woven into the joy of the season, and most people move too quickly to remember the basic steps that keep them safe. These tips are not complicated, and they are not new. They work. Yet every year, people skip them, and the consequences repeat themselves.
If you want help reviewing your digital security, tightening controls, or preparing your business for the year ahead, iCorps is here to support you. Our team can walk you through best practices that protect both personal and organizational data.
Enjoy the season, enjoy the convenience, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with a little extra care.
Happy holidays, and shop safely.
