Christmas presents, wrapped gifts, holidays
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(WAND) - The Illinois Department of Revenue is sharing advice for safe online shopping this holiday season. 

With more and more people turning to the internet to collect gifts, the threat of cybercrime continues to grow. 

“This is one of the busiest online shopping periods of the year, and cybercriminals are waiting for people to let their guard down,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “Every Illinois shopper can protect themselves with simple precautions and prevent months or even years of financial and personal hardship.”
 
Online Safety Tips for Illinois Shoppers: 
  • Shop with trusted retailers 
  Stick to websites you know and trust. Make sure the retailer has a physical address and customer service contact information. 
  • Pay with a credit card
  Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections than debit cards or other payment options.
  • Check for secure websites 
  Before entering payment information, look for “https” in the URL.
  • Use strong passwords and enable multifactor authentication
  Create complex, unique passwords for each account and turn on multifactor authentication whenever possible.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for online shopping or financial transactions
              Public networks can expose your data. Use a secure home network or trusted mobile hotspot instead.
  • Monitor your financial accounts regularly
              Review your bank and credit card statements often. Report any suspicious or unfamiliar charges immediately.
  • Protect your personal and tax information
              IDOR will never request sensitive personal information—such as your Social Security number or bank details—through email or text message, unless you are already
              engaged in an established and secure communication with the department.
  • Be alert for delivery and tracking scams
              Do not click links on emails or texts claiming to provide package tracking unless you can verify the sender.
 
“Online safety is essential and by following these steps, Illinois residents can shop with confidence and protect themselves from fraud,” Harris said. “Staying alert and informed is the best defense against cybercriminals this holiday season.”
 
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