Joliet, IL – As holiday shopping ramps up and more residents turn to online deals and gift cards, Joliet police are reminding shoppers to stay alert for cyber scams and fraudulent websites this week.
According to the Joliet Police Department, the department is sharing guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to help residents protect their personal and financial information while shopping online or using mobile apps. Officials say scammers often increase activity during the holiday season, when consumers are rushing to make purchases.
Police recommend starting with device security. Shoppers are urged to make sure phones, computers, and tablets are fully updated and protected with strong, unique passwords. Enabling two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection, especially for banking and retail accounts.
Authorities also stress the importance of shopping only through trusted sources. According to CISA, consumers should be cautious when clicking links in emails or ads, particularly if deals seem too good to be true. Shoppers are encouraged to type website addresses directly into their browser and confirm the seller has a legitimate reputation before entering payment information.
Another key warning involves public Wi-Fi. Police advise avoiding online shopping or banking while connected to unsecured public networks, such as those in coffee shops or airports. These connections can make it easier for criminals to intercept sensitive data.
Using safe payment methods is also critical. Credit cards often offer stronger fraud protections than debit cards, and shoppers should regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to financial institutions and, if necessary, law enforcement.
Residents who believe they’ve been targeted by a phishing or online scam can report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission or through official cybersecurity reporting channels.
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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