Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration is reminding residents to stay safe while shopping online during the holiday season. Stephen N. Miller, the District’s Chief Technology Officer, said, "By adopting essential best practices, District residents can protect themselves while enjoying holiday shopping," and officials advise sharing personal and financial information only with trusted vendors, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer will release safety tips and offer free Tech 101 workshops to help residents identify and respond to potential fraud. Additional guidance focuses on avoiding phishing emails, verifying senders, monitoring account alerts, and using secure payment methods to reduce the risk of cybercrime, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department.
The Metropolitan Police Department has created Safe Exchange Zones in the area to give residents a secure place to complete online marketplace transactions. The department advises, “Never meet anyone alone,” and Amazon Lockers are available at every police district station to help reduce package theft. More cybersecurity tips can be found on Office of the Chief Technology Officer’s social media platforms.
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