Sheriff’s office urges online shopping safety as holiday season approaches

By Melanie Chance | El Dorado Springs Sun

As holiday shopping ramps up both in stores and online, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to take extra precautions to protect their financial information.

Chief Deputy Clay Jeffries issued a seasonal reminder this week, encouraging shoppers to slow down and stay alert while making online purchases — a time when reports of credit and debit card fraud tend to increase nationwide.

“With the holiday shopping season beginning, please use caution when entering your credit or debit card information online,” Jeffries said. “Taking a few extra steps now can help prevent fraud later.”

Online spending typically spikes in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and with those increases come more opportunities for scammers to take advantage of rushed or distracted shoppers. Law enforcement agencies across the state say they are already seeing reports rise as more residents turn to online retailers for convenience.

Jeffries offered several simple steps that can make a big difference:

— Shop only on well-known, trusted websites. If you’re using a new retailer, do a quick search for reviews or complaints before entering your card information.

— Look for secure checkout indicators. A padlock icon in the address bar and “https” at the start of a website address both indicate additional security protections.

— Be cautious with holiday deals that seem unusually cheap. Fraudulent websites often lure shoppers with steep discounts on popular items.

— Monitor your bank accounts regularly. Small, unauthorized test charges are often the first sign of stolen card information.

According to Jeffries, “A few minutes of caution can save you a major headache down the road.”

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents contact their bank immediately if they see suspicious activity and report known fraud to local law enforcement.

“Stay safe while shopping, and have a great holiday season,” Jeffries added.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue sharing safety reminders throughout December as families prepare for Christmas gatherings, travel, and year-end events. Residents can follow updates on the department’s official social media pages or contact the office with additional questions.