{"id":534,"date":"2025-11-30T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tcrossmd.com\/Blog\/?p=534"},"modified":"2025-11-30T00:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T05:09:10","slug":"technology-and-the-holidays-how-to-be-safe-with-your-money-and-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tcrossmd.com\/Blog\/index.php\/2025\/11\/30\/technology-and-the-holidays-how-to-be-safe-with-your-money-and-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology and the Holidays \u2013 How to Be Safe with Your Money and Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The holidays bring that mix of joy, chaos, and spending that somehow happens all at once. Between late-night online shopping, travel planning, and snapping selfies by twinkling lights, it\u2019s easy to forget one important thing your digital safety<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we\u2019re searching for deals, hackers are searching for opportunities. Scammers love the holiday season because our guard drops when we\u2019re juggling too much. But that doesn\u2019t mean you need to panic. It just means you need a plan. And a little awareness goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s unwrap a few ways to protect your money and identity<\/strong> this holiday season while still enjoying the comfort and convenience that technology brings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shopping Smart (Without Losing Your Cool or Your Card Info)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday deals are everywhere in your inbox, text messages, and those tempting pop-up ads that promise \u201cOne Day Only!\u201d bargains. But before you click \u201cBuy Now,\u201d stop and check for a few red flags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Shop directly from trusted websites or apps not from random links or ads on social media. You\u2019d be surprised how real fake sites can look these days. Look for https:\/\/<\/strong> in the address bar and check the spelling. \u201cAmaz0n\u201d and \u201cWalmartt\u201d might look close enough at a glance, but they\u2019re far from safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a credit card or mobile wallet<\/strong> (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) adds an extra layer of protection since they mask your card number during transactions. If something goes wrong, it\u2019s easier to dispute a credit card charge than to get back money from your debit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus tip:<\/strong> Avoid saving your payment info on every site. It\u2019s convenient, but not secure. Keep your money where it belongs in your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Travel Tech and the \u201cFree Wi-Fi\u201d Trap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re visiting family or taking that much-needed getaway, travel and technology are best friends until they\u2019re not. Airports, hotels, and coffee shops all offer free Wi-Fi, and while that sounds great, it\u2019s also a playground for cyber snoopers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need to check your bank account or make a purchase while away, avoid using public Wi-Fi<\/strong>. Use your phone\u2019s hotspot or a trusted VPN (virtual private network) to secure your connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, watch your luggage in a digital sense. Those digital boarding passes, hotel key apps, and car rental confirmations all store personal info. Delete or secure them once you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a shared or public computer (even at a family member\u2019s house), never click \u201cRemember me.\u201d Log out every time. The convenience isn\u2019t worth the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Smart Devices, Not Smart Targets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our homes are smarter than ever voice assistants, smart TVs, doorbell cameras, and even Christmas lights that connect to Wi-Fi. But the more we connect, the more doors we open for cyber risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you plug in any new device, change the default password.<\/strong> Many people don\u2019t, and that\u2019s the easiest way for someone to break in digitally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update your devices regularly. Those little \u201csoftware update\u201d pop-ups aren\u2019t just for fun; they patch security holes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re giving or receiving smart gifts this season like a smartwatch or a Wi-Fi camera help your loved one set it up safely. That\u2019s the kind of \u201ctech support\u201d that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Payment Apps, Zelle, and Venmo: The Convenience Factor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending money digitally is quick and easy, but it\u2019s also a growing area for scams. Only send money to people you actually know. Scammers can impersonate friends or sellers. Once money leaves your account in these apps, it\u2019s usually gone for good.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re selling something online, never accept overpayments or checks that require \u201crefunds.\u201d And always double-check names and phone numbers in payment apps before hitting send.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Digital Gifting Without the Grinch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift cards make great last-minute presents, but scammers love them too. Buy gift cards directly from stores or reputable online retailers not from resale websites. Always keep the receipt in case you need to report a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you\u2019re sending digital gift cards, make sure the email is legitimate. A \u201cfree $100 Amazon card\u201d is usually bait for something worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While You\u2019re Away: Protecting Home Tech and Accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you travel, secure your home\u2019s digital life the same way you lock your doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n