December 2025
As the shopping season ramps up, so do impersonation scams where criminals pretend to be trusted retailers to steal your personal, financial, or account information.
Tip #1: Protect Yourself
- Use official channels only. Shop directly through company websites or mobile apps, never through links in unsolicited emails, texts, or social media ads.
- Legitimate companies never ask for sensitive information over the phone. No reputable retailer will request credit card numbers, passwords, or gift card codes via phone call, text, or email.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Add an extra layer of security (like Duo!) to your online shopping accounts whenever possible.
- Beware of urgency. Scammers try to pressure you. If a deal requires you to "act now," pause and verify it with the company directly.
Where to Start?
Trust your gut. If something feels off, don't click, don't respond, and don't share your information. If you see any of these common red flags, report it!
- Fake delivery or account problem notifications.
- Too-good-to-be-true deals on social media.
- Requests for passwords or payment info through unofficial channels.
- Links asking you to "verify" account credentials.
- Unexpected “tech support” calls.
Information on how to report scams at UC Berkeley. For retail scams, look for a "report scam" or "report fraud" option on the company's official website.
-Stay safe and shop smart this season!
If you want to learn more, visit our Holiday Shopping Toolkit