4 Things Cyber Monday Scammers Don't Want You to Know

Cyber Monday is one of the most exciting shopping days of the year, but it can also feel like navigating a maze of discounts, pop-up ads and sneaky scammers. Make sure you’re protecting your personal info and accounts while you’re scoring discounts and hunting for that perfect deal. Here’s how you can survive the shopping frenzy and have a blast without compromising your personal information.

Trustworthy Retailers Only, Please

It can be tempting to grab deals from a brand-new online store, but when in doubt stick to trusted retailers that you know. Shopping on sites you’ve never heard of can open the door to all sorts of problems, from scams to poor-quality products.

Check for secure websites: Look in the address bar for a URL that starts with https://. If that’s missing, move on.
Read reviews: If you really need to shop on a lesser-known website, do some research. A quick Google search can tell you whether other shoppers have had good experiences or if the site is a scam. Trust your gut. If something feels fishy, it probably is.

Shopping on secure sites and doing a little research can go a long way in keeping your wallet and your info safe.

Credit Cards For the Win

We know it’s convenient to check out using PayPal or Venmo, but credit cards are actually a better option for Cyber Monday shopping. That’s because many credit cards (including Horizon credit cards) come with dispute rights. If the product doesn’t arrive or isn’t what you ordered, you may be able to dispute the charge and possibly get your money back.

Not so with peer-to-peer payment apps. Once you send the money, it’s gone. It’s very unlikely you will get it back. So when you’re filling in your payment info, choose a protected credit card, like a Horizon credit card, for an extra layer of security.

Avoid the “Buy Now, Pay Later” Trap

Buy now, pay later (BPNL) services like Klarna or Afterpay might sound like a good way to stretch your budget, but they can lead to trouble down the road. Here’s why paying upfront is the better move:

No hidden fees: If you miss a payment with BNPL services, you can rack up late fees. By paying upfront you avoid that headache altogether.
Keep your budget in check: Paying all at once helps you stay on track with your budget. BNPL might tempt you to buy more than you planned. Extra payments add up quickly.
No credit surprises: Late payments on a BPNL plan could hurt your credit score. Paying now means you don’t have to worry about credit damage later.

Paying upfront is the best way to go when shopping Cyber Monday sales.

Public Networks Are a No-Go

You may feel safe browsing the internet in a coffee shop or airport lounge, but public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground. When you shop on public Wi-Fi, personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers can be easily intercepted by criminals.

If you’re out and about, stick to mobile data or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to ensure a safe connection. A VPN encrypts your data and keeps your information safe from prying eyes. If you don’t have access to one of these options, wait until you get home to continue shopping.

Party on With Platinum Points

Enough of the doom and gloom. Let’s get back to the fun stuff!

Horizon Platinum Points cardholders: remember to use your points this season. Rack up points on holiday shopping and everyday purchases, then redeem them for online shopping discounts, travel perks or cash back. This card helps your money go further!

Plus, all Platinum Points cardholders are earning Double Points now through January 31, 2025! If you haven’t got a Platinum Points card, now is the perfect time to grab one — just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can apply online 24/7 at HZCU.org/doublepoints.