Stay Secured
The holidays are a joyful time filled with celebrations, shopping, and greetings from loved ones. However, cybercriminals often take advantage of the increased online activity to send clever phishing emails designed to trick unsuspecting targets.
What to Watch For
Shipping Updates Fake shipping notifications are on the rise. With so many deliveries this season, it’s easy to fall for a message about a delayed or failed package. Even if the update looks legitimate, don’t click the link—visit the shipping carrier’s official website and enter your tracking number directly.
Order Confirmations Amid the holiday rush, you might be tempted to click on order confirmation emails without thinking twice. Keep a record of your purchases so you know which messages are genuine.
Holiday eCards Cybercriminals may send fake eCards with harmful attachments. Even if a card seems sweet, never open links or files from unknown senders.
Other Common Scams
Fake Online Stores: Be wary of stores offering deep discounts on popular products, especially if you find them through social media ads. These may be fraudulent.
Gift Card Scams: Scammers trick people into buying worthless gift cards or using them for fake purchases. Only buy gift cards from trusted retailers and inspect physical cards for signs of tampering.
Deepfakes and Voice Cloning: Advances in AI can enable impersonation through fake videos or voice messages. Always verify the identity of the person you’re communicating with before sharing sensitive information.
If You Encounter Suspicious Activity
Contact Your Financial Institution: Notify your bank or credit card provider immediately and request a chargeback if needed.
Report to Authorities: File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) online.
Gather Evidence: Save emails, texts, website screenshots, and transaction details related to the scam.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements for unauthorized charges and report them promptly.
What Not to Do
Don’t Pay More: If you suspect a scam, don’t send any additional money or try to contact the scammer.
Don’t Ignore It: Always report scams—your action can help protect others from falling victim.
Stay alert and enjoy a safe holiday season!