(NC) The holiday shopping season brings with it the excitement of finding perfect gifts for everyone on your list, but it’s also a peak time for fraud and scams. Keep yourself safe and avoid the rush with these simple steps provided by Mastercard: 

Start early. This lets you compare options at a relaxed pace and helps you make more confident decisions. Two things to look out for: 

• Early bird specials that can help you get everything done ahead of schedule and below budget. 
• Prices that go up right before big “sale” events to create the appearance of big discounts. Note the prices for items you’re interested in so that you know if you’re actually getting a deal when the sale begins. 

Check out local vendors.  In-person shopping may not be top of mind, but it can be rewarding.  It supports businesses in your community, helps you find more unique gifts and allows you to buy from people you know you can trust.

Stay alert for scams. Honest retailers still have to deal with the threat of fraudsters pretending to be them and sending phishing messages to get people’s private information disguised as order notifications and delivery messages. Here are a couple of things you can do: 

• If you get a fake message from a local business, let them know. It helps them step up their cybersecurity to keep everyone safe. 
• Ask retailers if they use protective measures, like Mastercard’s anti-fraud tools, which use artificial intelligence (AI) to spot and stop fraudulent transactions in real time. More fraudsters are using AI to enhance their scams, so AI-powered defence can be good  protection.  

Use secure payment options. For any online shopping, pay attention to how  you are asked to pay.  Look for HTTPS or a padlock icon in the URL, which indicates a secure connection. Stick to businesses that use safe, secure payment methods like major credit cards or mobile wallets. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out directly and ask the business how they’ll process your payment. Don’t complete any online transaction unless you’re confident it’s secure. 

There’s a lot to watch out for during busy shopping times, but many businesses are taking steps to make the experience safe and easier. By practicing cyber safety, you can do your part, too.