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Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

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M thecloudhelp
December 05, 2025

The Cloud Help Newsletter
Bitesize Tech News for Curious Minds

Welcome to the Eighth Edition!

Happy Holidays, tech friends! 🎄 As we wrap up the year, online shopping and festive deals are in full swing — and so are the scammers. This special holiday edition of The Cloud Help Newsletter is all about staying safe while shopping online and spotting scams before they strike. Let’s make this season merry and secure!

Tech in Focus: Staying Safe While Shopping Online

Tis the season for sales, subscriptions, and… sneaky scams. Here’s how to protect yourself while grabbing those festive bargains:

  • Shop Only from Trusted Websites – Check for HTTPS and stick to reputable retailers. Avoid clicking links from emails or texts.

  • Use Secure Payment Methods – Credit cards and PayPal offer buyer protection. Avoid direct bank transfers for unfamiliar sellers.

  • Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals – If that £500 laptop is listed for £99, it’s likely a scam.

  • Don’t Save Your Card Details – It’s convenient, but risky. Re-entering your info each time adds a layer of safety.

  • Check Seller Reviews – Always look at verified reviews before hitting ‘Buy Now.’

Smart shopping means safer holidays.

Quick Bytes: Top 5 Holiday Tech Updates

  1. Amazon Adds AI-Powered Deal Alerts – Personalized price tracking now integrated in the app.

  2. Apple Launches Holiday Deals on Services – Get Apple TV+ and Arcade free for three months with select purchases.

  3. Meta Adds Family Safety Controls – Parents can now monitor teens’ screen time across Meta apps.

  4. Google Maps Adds Holiday Mode – Real-time crowd tracking for malls and airports.

  5. TikTok Rolls Out Shopping Safety Tips – Partnering with retailers to fight counterfeit products.

Tool of the Week: Fakespot

Avoid scams and fake reviews with Fakespot, an AI-powered tool that analyses online sellers and product listings.

  • Why it’s great: Detects fake reviews, scams, and counterfeit listings before you buy.

  • How to use it: Install the browser extension or use fakespot.com before purchasing.

Your online shopping lie detector!

Tech Tip: Spotting a Holiday Scam

Cybercriminals love this time of year. Watch out for these red flags:

  1. “Exclusive” Offers Sent by Email or Text – Scammers often spoof brands you trust. Always go directly to the brand’s official site.

  2. Fake Delivery Notifications – Don’t click links from “couriers” claiming you missed a parcel. Check via the courier’s official website.

  3. Charity Scams – Give to charities through verified sites, not social media links.

  4. Social Media Marketplace Scams – Meet sellers in person when possible and never pay in advance.

Think before you click — and trust your instincts.

Spotlight Series: Digital Detox for the Holidays

This season, take time to switch off (digitally). Try:

  • Turning off notifications for a day.

  • Logging out of social apps for a weekend.

  • Enjoying some screen-free time with family and friends.

A clear mind is the best upgrade of all.

Ask the Cloud Help

Q: “How can I tell if a shopping website is legit?”
A: Look for a secure padlock icon in the browser bar (HTTPS), read independent reviews, and avoid new sites with no history or contact details. If you’re unsure, search “[website name] scam” — if others have been burned, you’ll know quickly.

Got a tech question? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram @thecloudhelp!

Coming Next Week

  • 2025 Tech Predictions: What’s Coming Next? 🔮

  • The Rise of AI in Everyday Life.

Stay tuned — and stay safe this holiday season! 🎁

Follow Us on Instagram: @thecloudhelp for daily tech updates and quick tips.
Share the Love: Forward this newsletter to friends who love tech!

See you in the New Year!
The Cloud Help Team