6 tips to stay safe while making online transactions this Lunar New Year

Given the rise in digital transactions and online activity, it is a timely reminder for everyone to be vigilant.

With the Lunar New Year, come hong baos, purchases for goodies, short getaways, and more. On the other hand, lie the sneaky scams and too-good-to-be-true deals. 

Visa has come up with six helpful tips that aim to help you carry out online transactions safely as you navigate your purchases and e-hongbaos during this festive season.  

Make sure you know who you are buying from 

The Lunar New Year is always a time to refresh and restock your house with new clothes, decorations, and most importantly, sinful snacks!  

To be safe, it’s important to know where you are buying from. Consult friends and family, as word-of-mouth reviews are always the best, and be sure to check the URLs of where you are shopping from to keep your credentials and money safe. After all, a little retail therapy never hurt anyone, as long as it’s from the right source. 

Slide away from suspicious messages  

Received a message claiming you've won a prize or asking you to fill out a form and provide personal details? If it asks for money or sensitive information, it's likely a phishing attempt.  

Cybercriminals often use these tactics to steal your data or money. Stay cautious — avoid clicking on any links, do not share personal or financial information, and never make payments to claim a "reward".  

Instead, delete the message immediately and report it as spam or phishing to your email provider or relevant platform. Stay alert and protect yourself from online scams. 

Check before you hit 'send'

Every Lunar New Year, the tradition of giving hong baos — both physical and digital — adds a festive touch to the celebrations. With the growing popularity of e-hongbaos, sending them has become more convenient than ever.  

However, it's important to practise caution when sending digital red packets. Always triple-check the recipient’s name and details before you hit send to avoid accidental transfers to the wrong person.  

This small step ensures your blessings reach their intended recipients without any unnecessary hiccups.

Verify with your merchant before responding to any requests 

Excited for your Lunar New Year purchases to arrive? Don’t fall for suspicious delivery scams or unexpected add-on fees.  

While waiting for your package, you might receive fraudulent messages asking you to fill out a form or pay for "express shipping". Stay cautious — always verify with your seller before responding to any requests or making payments.  

Protect yourself and enjoy a stress-free festive season. 

Verify your travel deals 

Be it a short getaway or a trip back home, make sure your journey is a safe one.  

Before you head overseas for the New Year, check that you are booking trips on official travel agency and airline websites. It helps to pay via secure gateways that can track expenses and protect you from fraud.  

Secure your belongings wherever you go 

With the festive season in full swing, many of us will be out and about enjoying the celebrations. While soaking up the festivities, remember to stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure.  

Whether you're shopping, dining, or attending events, ensure your valuables are within reach to avoid any unwanted surprises. Stay safe and make the most of the season! 

Lead image: 123RF; Infographics: Provided by Visa

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