How Can I Stay Safe from Holiday Cyber Scams?

During the holiday season, bad actors double down on new and creative ways to deceive people - and succeed. From holiday-related phishing emails to illegitimate shopping websites, cybercriminals find ways exploit the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Here are some of the biggest holiday scams:

Charity Scams: Major holidays are prime time for donating and sneaky scams take advantage of our giving spirit! Be on the lookout for fraudulent websites or phishing emails collecting donations intended for a legitimate charity. Cybercriminals often mimic names of reputable charities, so look closely at the email address for misspellings or inconsistencies.

• Check your web browser for a secure site padlock.

• Pay with a credit card, not a debit card.

• Avoid cash donations, which are harder to trace.

Shopping Scams: Big sales can make shopping feel irresistible around the holidays. Substantial discounts, free shipping and payment plans are extra incentives to buy before, during, and after a major holiday. Not all are legitimate. Bad actors use fake ads and impersonate real websites to collect credit card information and take your money without sending the product. If you see a targeted advertisement on social media, go directly to the website yourself to purchase it without clicking on the ad.

Delivery Scams: Phishing emails with “delivery updates” may include links to malicious sites or attachments that download malware. To avoid falling for these scams, pause before clicking any links, opening attachments, or sharing personal information. Verify through the actual source (e.g., the website you ordered from).

Travel Scams: Ads or emails for free or highly discounted travel deals? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Always verify the deal on the actual website. The holidays are also prime time for criminals to hack someone’s system and send text, email, or social media messages to their contacts, posing as a trusted friend or family member. Be wary of “friends” who lost their wallet while traveling and need you to wire them money to get home.

Out-of-Office Help Scams: Cybercriminals anticipate extended time off during the holidays. A common out-of-office scam involves the “I have no service” trick, where someone claims to be traveling for a holiday and can’t get Wi-Fi or a data signal where they’re staying. If you’re asked to do something for them, proceed with caution. Verify the request by contacting the person on a known, legitimate channel to confirm their identity before proceeding.

It’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from the “Scrooges” looking to dampen your festive spirit. Be aware of these common scams and take proactive steps to safeguard personal information and finances to ensure your holidays remain joyful and stress-free. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the “bah humbugs” at bay. Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the holidays!

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