Shop Small, Shop Safe: Your Guide to Secure Holiday Shopping

As the holiday season gallops closer, we’re all excited for festive shopping.  But with the rise in online shopping scams, it’s natural to feel cautious. Many of us want to shop small and support local businesses—but safely. This year, I’ve partnered with Loren Tomlinson, founder of The Social Collective, to bring you trusted advice on secure online shopping. As a small business owner myself, I’m dedicated to helping you shop safely, so your holiday season is filled with joy, not worry. Together, we’ve put together some practical tips to help you shop confidently, avoid scams, and enjoy the magic of finding unique, locally-made gifts.

Recognizing Red Flags on a Website

Spotting a suspicious website is the first step in safe shopping. Keep these red flags in mind as you browse:

• Poor Quality Content: Sites with spelling errors, grammar issues, or outdated designs can be untrustworthy. Look for polished, professional content.

• Odd Product Mix: If a site offers a mix like coffee makers and trampolines, it’s worth being cautious.

• Mismatched URLs: If the web address doesn’t match the brand or products, it might be a scam.

• Inactive Social Media Links: Reliable sites often link to active social media accounts. If links are broken, think twice.

• Deals Too Good to Be True: If prices seem suspiciously low, cross-check with other sources before buying.

Verifying New Zealand Businesses

Even a .nz domain doesn’t guarantee a business is based in New Zealand. To check if a site is registered locally:

• NZ Domain Name Commission Search: This tool shows if a site is officially registered in New Zealand, adding an extra layer of trust.

Using Trusted Payment Methods

When you’re ready to check out, secure payment options make a big difference:

• Trusted Payment Gateways: Options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet are safer.

• Avoid Email Payment Info: Reputable sites won’t ask for payment details by email.

• Saving Payment Details: Only save details if the site uses a trusted third-party system.

Safe Online Shopping Habits

Before diving into your holiday shopping, make sure you have these security habits in place:

• Strong Passwords: Avoid simple passwords like “1234” or “password.” Complex passwords offer better protection.

• Look for HTTPS: HTTPS in the website URL shows added security.

• Keep Software Updated: Regular updates help keep your devices safe.

• Use Anti-Malware Software: Programs like McAfee WebAdvisor can help detect risky sites.

Social Media Presence Matters

Small businesses often share updates and engage with customers on social media. To check legitimacy:

• Real Engagement: Look for genuine comments and interactions from followers.

• Double-Check Links: Be cautious with links shared on social media, as they could lead to phishing sites.

Expert Tips from Loren Tomlinson: Protect Your Social Media While Shopping Online

To add even more security this season, we’re collaborating with Loren Tomlinson, founder of The Social Collective. Loren works with ambitious entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them thrive online, and she’s sharing her best tips to protect your social media secure while shopping small this holiday season:

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): It’s one of the easiest ways to safeguard your accounts, requiring a second step — like a texted code — before anyone can log in.

• Be Careful with Links: Phishing scams often come in the form of tempting emails or messages. If something seems off, skip the link and go straight to the business’s official website.

• Upgrade Your Passwords: Replace weak, reused passwords with complex, unique ones. A password manager can help keep them all organised.

Remember: A few simple changes can go a long way toward keeping your personal information safe while you shop small this holiday season.

Google’s Transparency Report

Google’s transparency report is a quick way to see if a site has been flagged for malware or spam.

Shopping small is a beautiful way to support the community and find unique gifts with a story behind them. With these tips, you can shop safely and confidently, knowing you’re helping small businesses thrive. Here’s to a joyful, secure holiday season filled with thoughtful shopping and peace of mind

Loren Tomlinson &