Laptop shoppers are armed and ready to check off everyone on their holiday list with the click of a button this Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. From the comfort of your own home, clad in pajamas and slippers, you can shop until your heart’s content, scooping up sales all over the Internet. But, while you are bargain hunting, cyber criminals might also be hauling in a bounty with your credit card information and possibly other account information. With so much online activity this time of year, cybercrime might fly under the radar, and you could be a victim without even knowing it.
Check your accounts—credit card accounts, savings accounts, checking accounts, and investment accounts—regularly. Cyber criminals are crafty, and gaining access to even one of these accounts could open the door to all of your accounts. According to Fidelity, in 2025, Americans reported $15.9 billion in cybercrime losses, up 32.5% from 2024. A few small steps can offer big protection for you and your money.
If offered, link multi-factor authentication (MFA) to your account. MFA requires two log-in methods, such as a password and a text code to your cellphone, to access an account. While it may be an extra step at log-in, it’s two security walls to get through and alerts you if someone is trying to access your account.
Make your passwords strong by making them a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers, and symbols, or create a passphrase of 4-7 unrelated words. Be sure to use different passwords or passphrases for each of your accounts. Never store your passwords or passphrases in a file on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Always report any activity that might be suspicious. For identity theft and account fraud, contact the three major credit bureaus to request that a fraud alert be placed on your file. They are: TransUnion: 800-680-7289, Equifax: 800-525-6285, and Experian: 888-397-3742. Also, contact all of your investment accounts. Change all usernames and passwords for all online accounts and file a police report to have on hand to prove the fraud to your creditors. Run antivirus software on your computer.
Fidelity offers a library of information about protecting your accounts from cybercrime. Log in to www.netbenefits.fidelity.com.