How to protect your Cyber Monday purchases
With package thefts and cyber criminals on the rise, your online holiday purchases or your digital personal information could be left at risk.
Valley officials warned that with holiday shopping comes more crime.
“The holidays certainly bring out more packages, so certainly around Christmas time, Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday, you absolutely are going to see an increase in theft,” said Sgt. Michael Casavan with the Palm Springs Police Dept.
And experts say businesses aren’t the only ones trying to capitalize: con artists are out to get your personal information.
“Cyber criminals know its fertile hunting ground. They know that there are people out there looking for deals,” said Chris Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
One way to keep your packages safe – have it delivered to a safe pickup point, like your work office or a neighbor.
“Having it shipped to somebody I know is going to be home and can accept the package instead of having it just left at my doorstep,” Pamela Eastman said while holiday shopping on El Paseo.
You can also use apps to track your package.
“We are members of the UPS notification system which tells us when — and exactly when — the package will be delievered,” said holiday shopper Ron Carter.
Alternatively, you can ship your package to a nearby Amazon locker – there are several across the Coachella Valley. Once the box is inside, you’ll get the combination to open the door.
“It’s a locker — it’s locked you get it shipped, you get peace of mind knowing that it’s not going to be in front of your house and some thief is just going to come take it,” said holiday shopper Kenny Mobley.
To protect your personal information: experts recommend ensuring you’re shopping on a secure internet connection, and buying items with a credit card that offers fraud protection.
“If the deal sounds a little too good to be true, it probably is,” Krebs said.
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