Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is alerting residents to be cautious when shopping online this holiday season, as scammers ramp up efforts to steal personal and financial information.
According to the department, shoppers should only use secure websites that begin with “https” and display a padlock icon in the browser bar. Officials also recommend avoiding public Wi-Fi when making purchases and using a VPN or mobile data to prevent data theft.
Authorities warn consumers to be skeptical of deals that appear “too good to be true” or have limited-time offers that pressure quick decisions. Scammers often use urgency tactics and fake links in emails or social media to lure victims.
The department also advises using credit cards instead of debit cards, since credit issuers typically offer better protection against fraudulent charges. Residents are urged to regularly check their bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Anyone who detects suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their bank or credit card company immediately.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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