The holidays are in full swing, bringing with them the joy of giving, celebrations, and unfortunately, a spike in cybercrime. Every year, scammers and hackers take advantage of the busy season to exploit those embracing the spirit of generosity. The issue has become so widespread that the government has actually released tips to help protect against online scams. The benefit of learning the latest scamming techniques is that it equips you with knowledge and familiarity. Now, you can stay one step ahead of hackers, who often rely on your inexperience with their tactics in order to gain access to your personal information. Here is an overview of the government’s recommendations to help you steer clear of online scams this holiday season.
Scams to Look Out For
Fake Online Stores
One of the most common holiday scams involves fake online stores that mimic legitimate businesses. These counterfeit sites offer exaggerated discounts on popular items like electronics, jewelry, and clothing, which entice shoppers in with the promise of huge savings. Often advertised on social media apps, these sites either steal your credit card information or accept payment without delivering any products. To protect yourself, always verify a retailer’s legitimacy by checking their website and reading reviews. Additionally, avoid clicking on unfamiliar social media ads or deals that seem too good to be true – as they often are.
Delivery Scams
The increase in online shopping during the holidays makes delivery scams particularly effective. Hackers send fake notifications via email or text claiming a missed delivery, often including malicious links to bogus websites. These sites are designed to steal personal information or payment details. Before clicking on any links. Once again, carefully examine the domain address for signs of fraud, and be cautious about providing any payment information on unfamiliar delivery websites.
Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a holiday favorite, but scammers use them to their advantage in two ways: selling fake cards at steep discounts or tricking people into using gift cards to pay for fraudulent goods or services. To avoid these scams, purchase gift cards only from trusted retailers and be cautious of deals that offer cards at unusually low prices.
Fake Charities
The holiday season inspires generosity, which scammers exploit by creating fraudulent charities and crowdfunding campaigns. These fake organizations prey on the goodwill of donors, directing funds straight into the scammers’ accounts. Before donating, research the charity thoroughly. Use resources like the Better Business Bureau to confirm credibility and examine the website for signs of fraud, such as spelling errors, missing contact information, or unusual payment requests.
Phishing Emails and Texts
Phishing scams spike during the holidays, with hackers impersonating banks, credit card companies, or retailers. These fraudulent emails and texts often claim there is an issue with your account and direct you to malicious links that steal login credentials or other sensitive information. To avoid falling for these scams, never click on links in unsolicited messages. Instead, access your accounts by visiting the official website directly or using a trusted app.
Seasonal Job Scams
Many people seek temporary jobs during the holidays, which opens the door for scammers to offer fake positions with unrealistic pay and minimal work requirements. These schemes often require upfront payments, early submission of personal information, or participation in “money mule” scams, where victims process fraudulent checks through their personal bank accounts. Protect yourself by thoroughly researching job offers and employers and never agree to handle financial transactions for someone else.
Staying Informed
Cyber scams are growing more sophisticated every year, adapting to new technology and exploiting seasonal trends. Staying informed is your best defense against falling victim to these evolving threats. Scammers prey on vulnerabilities caused by lack of awareness, so keeping up-to-date with common tactics can help you stay safe. Falling victim to a scam can lead to financial loss, identity theft, or compromised personal and professional data. Knowing what to watch out for is key to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Protect Yourself with SWK
Staying ahead of every emerging cyber threat may seem daunting, but with SWK, you do not have to do it alone. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying in the know while also protecting your IT infrastructure so you can focus on enjoying the holiday season worry-free. SWK also offers Security Awareness Training to help your employees recognize and avoid the latest techniques hackers use. Contact us today to start your journey toward a safer, more relaxed holiday season.