Stay Safe This Cyber Monday: Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams

It’s Monday, New Jersey! It’s also Cyber Monday, and to ensure a safe shopping experience, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against scams that proliferate during this busy online shopping period. See below for tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

🥶Weather: Sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. 

👀What’s on tap today:

• Aging news roundup

• Great spots for holiday photos in New Jersey

• Cranberries in season this month

Up first…

Outsmart the cyber scammers

🛒By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering scams while enjoying the benefits of Cyber Monday shopping. Stay alert and prioritize your online safety this holiday season!

Verify Website Legitimacy

• Check the URL: Always confirm that the website’s URL is secure, starting with “https” and displaying a padlock symbol. If these elements are missing or the URL appears suspicious, do not proceed with your purchase.

• Research New Websites: Before buying from unfamiliar sites, check for reviews and ratings. Be cautious, as some reviews may be fake; look for consistent feedback across multiple sources.

Be Cautious with Emails and Messages

• Watch for Phishing Scams: Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts claiming issues with your orders. Scammers often use these tactics to trick you into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links..

• Avoid Clicking Unverified Links: Instead of clicking links in emails or social media posts, navigate directly to the retailer’s website by typing the URL into your browser.

Use Secure Payment Methods

• Opt for Credit Cards: When shopping online, use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection. Credit cards often offer additional security features that can help recover lost funds.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Shopping over public Wi-Fi can expose your personal information to hackers. Always use a secure private network when making purchases online.

Identify Red Flags

• Too Good to Be True Deals: Be skeptical of deals that seem excessively discounted or unrealistic. These offers are often bait for scams designed to collect your payment information without delivering products.

• Suspicious Sellers: Avoid purchasing from sellers claiming to be authorized dealers from unlikely locations or those offering unusual shipping arrangements. These are common signs of scams.

Protect Your Personal Information

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure that all your online accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding MFA provides an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond just a password when logging into accounts.

Monitor Your Accounts

• Keep Track of Transactions: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

• Know Return Policies: Familiarize yourself with the return policies of retailers before making purchases to avoid issues later on if you encounter a scam.

Aging News Roundup

You’ve Got Mail from Medicare Advantage, So Be Careful: During annual enrollment, the ad blitz for Medicare Advantage is intense, and it lacks any context about what it can mean to give up your traditional Medicare coverage.

Beware Three Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: The Medicare open enrollment period is like candy for scammers, with all the elements for a good con. Here are three common scams to be aware of.

Essential Questions for Medicare Shoppers to Ask: Which plan charges the least for medicines you use? What are the deductibles? Does the plan pay for doctors and procedures you need?

What to Do If Your Doctor Stops Accepting Medicare: Some doctors have stopped taking Medicare, and that can leave patients in a difficult spot. Here’s what to know and how to respond if it happens to you.

Upcoming holiday events

December 4 – Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets (Holmdel, Monmouth County)
December 4 – 7 – Drumthwacket Holiday Open Houses (Princeton, Mercer County)
December 6 – 8 – Winter Village + Festival of Trees (Clinton, Hunterdon County)
December 6 – 8 – Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar (Asbury Park, Monmouth County)
December 6 – 8 – German Christmas Market (Augusta, Sussex County)
December 7 – Asbury Park Santa Run (Asbury Park, Monmouth County)
December 7 – Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets (Holmdel, Monmouth County)
December 7 – A John Denver Christmas Starring Ted Vigil (Newton, Sussex County)
December 7 – Roxbury’s Annual Home For The Holidays Street Festival (Succusunna, Morris County)
December 7 – Tom River Winter Wonderland (Toms River, Ocean County)
December 7 – Winter Market at Town & Country (Keyport, Monmouth County)
December 7 – Sensory Santa Event at Bierman Autism Centers (Eatontown, Monmouth County)
December 7 – Seasonal Traditions Holiday Program (Piscataway, Middlesex County)
December 7 – Barefoot Grape Stomping at Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere, Warren County)
December 7 – Swinging with The Rat Pack! (New Brunswick, Middlesex County)
December 7 & 8 – Montclair Flea Holiday Market (Montclair, Essex County)
December 7 & 8 – Crafts at Christmas Show (Cape May, Cape May County)
December 7 & 8 – Off the Wall Holiday Market (West Windsor, Mercer County)
December 7 & 8 – Annual Hope Christmas Craft Market (Blairstown, Warren County)
December 7 & 8 – Annual Holiday Model Train Show (North Haledon, Passaic County)
December 7 & 8 – American Repertory Ballet presents THE NUTCRACKER (Red Bank, Monmouth County)

In the parks this week

Casual Birder
Tuesday, December 3 at 9 a.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Free!

Wondrous Winter Walks
Wednesday, December 4 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Huber Woods Park, Middletown – Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.
Wednesday, December 18 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Clayton Park, Upper Freehold – Meet in the Emley’s Hill Road parking lot.
Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the park in the wintertime. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!

Creative Arts Center Exhibit & Sale
Saturday, December 7-Friday, December 13 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Thompson Park Creative Arts Center, Lincroft
Kick off your holiday shopping with original pieces created by our students and instructors including paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery and more! Admission and parking are free.

19th Century Christmas Ballads
Saturdays, December 7 & 14 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Listen to 19th century Christmas ballads played on the piano. FREE!

Did you know?

The Managed Long Term Services and Supports program (MLTSS) is a New Jersey initiative intended to provide a better way to help seniors and individuals with disabilities live at home for as long as possible. MLTSS also provides access to private duty nursing services for children requiring a skilled level of care. For more information about MLTSS, visit:  www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/home/mltss.html

Today’s birthdays

Born on this date are Aaron Rodgers, 40, NFL quarterback; Britney Spears, 42, pop singer; Gianni Versace (1946 -1977) fashion designer; Lucy Liu, 55, actress, and Charlie Puth, 32, singer/songwriter.

Quote for today

Today in history

• 1997: Good Will Hunting premiered in theaters, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, which later became a significant success and won two Academy Awards.

• 2001: Enron filed for bankruptcy, marking one of the largest bankruptcies in U.S. history and leading to widespread media coverage and discussions about corporate ethics.

• 2023: KISS performed their final concert at Madison Square Garden, concluding their “End of the Road” tour, which was celebrated as a significant moment in rock history.

Today in NJ History

On December 2, 1776, the Continental Army, commanded by George Washington, began its retreat across the Delaware River from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. This event was significant during the American Revolutionary War, as it marked a critical moment for Washington’s forces following defeats in New York and northern New Jersey.

In Season

Cranberries are in season in New Jersey through the end of December. Here’s a delicious recipe for Homemade Cranberry Sauce that uses fresh cranberries, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1 cup granulated sugar (or 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup)

• 3/4 cup water (preferably filtered)

• Optional: Zest of one orange for added flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweetener: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar (or honey/maple syrup) and water. Set over medium heat and stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved.

2. Add Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will thicken.

4. Taste and Adjust: After cooking, taste the sauce. If it’s too tart, you can add more sweetener to taste.

5. Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature before serving. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

One last thing

Man decorates neighbors' homes for Christmas to support his wife, diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago. More