The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is reminding shoppers and travelers to be extra vigilant against cybercriminals this Christmas season.

It’s that time of the year again when consumers are most prone to getting victimized online by unlawful elements, as many tend to overlook danger signs while shopping for gifts for their loved ones or availing themselves of vacation services.

Here are 12 tips to protect your personal data as you shop, purchase gifts, and book your travels:

1. Think before you plug

It may be the season of sharing but be always mindful when sharing digital files. Ensure that your USB flash drive is malware-free by scanning it first with an up-to-date antivirus.

Have you read “NPC: Complaints vs online lenders decline”?

2. Charge smart

The busy holiday season means constant correspondence with friends and loved ones, as well as surfing online shops to buy presents. This drains battery, and though it’s tempting to charge the device in the nearest public charging station, it’s better to charge the phone using a power bank or plugging the charger into an AC outlet.

3. Install legitimate apps

Fake apps use up the phone’s resources by displaying unsolicited advertisements on the device, or worse, obtain payment information or other personal data without the consumer’s knowledge.

Aside from searching the official application source (App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android), users can also check the developer’s name indicated below the title of the app and the app’s description for spelling, grammatical, or technical errors. Take the time to examine the number of downloads and read positive reviews.

4. Shop wisely

Activate one-time pins (OTPs) in your issuing bank when making online or mobile banking transactions. This protects every transaction you make by sending a confirmation message to your mobile phone first before proceeding with the payment.

5. Protect your documents and gadgets

When traveling, keep your documents, laptops, phones, tablets, and other gadgets secure by locking your luggage. Secure your bags containing personal identification and cards by carrying them in front of you so that any suspicious movement is noticeable. Do not leave your items unattended in public areas.

6. Be wary of open Wi-Fis

Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t always safe to use. Hotspots in public places such as malls, airports, hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants often lack sufficient security.

To protect your information when using wireless hotspots, send information only to websites that are fully encrypted and avoid using mobile apps that require either personal, payment, or financial information. If necessary, consider using a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) when transacting finances.

7. Safely dispense your money from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

Shake and pull the ATM card slot first before inserting your debit/credit card. This is to check if an ATM skimming device has been installed to obtain your payment card information and steal your money.

8. Double-check advertisements

Enticing deals like extremely low prices or “Buy One, Take One” promos abound during the Christmas season. Avoid getting duped by checking out the prevailing prices of items on promo.

9. Go on scam-free holiday vacations

Fake online deals offer low-priced accommodations and airfares to bait holiday-goers. Avoid them by conducting research and carefully reading the details on travel offers. Inspect the website security by looking up the words “complain,” “scam,” “fake,” or “review.” Trustworthy travel agencies are licensed.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations on travel agencies they transacted with before.

10. Protect your identity and account information

Bring only the identification, credit, and debit cards you need in your travels. Ensure that you’re carrying back-up copies or photos of your identification cards in a secure storage or location.

11. Spam calls or robocalls

Spam calls or robocalls are designed to steal your money or personal data.
Be extra cautious of these “budol-budol” phone calls especially if you are leaving your home in the care of a trusted person. Provide instructions and security checks or questions to authenticate the caller’s identity.

12. Online dating scams

Take precautions when using online or mobile dating apps. Crooks and scammers prowl dating platforms that may lead to emotional and financial heartbreak. Do not give money, gifts, or share your personal data to people you have not yet met personally.

Other security measures to practice:

• Disable storing of login or payment information
• Purchase from authentic sellers
• Check website security and identity
• Use credit, preferably disposable or virtual
• Ask online sellers not to put your personal contact number in the delivery package