Illinois Officials Warn of Increased Online Scams During Holiday Shopping Season

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is urging residents to stay alert to online scams as the holiday shopping season ramps up. With more people making purchases and planning travel online, cyber criminals are seizing the opportunity to steal personal information for financial gain. DoIT recommends taking precautions such as verifying online offers by visiting company websites directly, avoiding suspicious ads, researching merchants, and using credit cards for better protection. While online shopping offers convenience, local shopping is always safer, providing a more secure way to avoid cyber fraud and support communities.