As the holiday season unfolds, cybercriminals are also gearing up for their activities. While you're busy preparing holiday gift lists, they are plotting new ways to exploit unsuspecting online shoppers. Holiday phishing scams pose a prevalent threat, aiming to steal personal information, financial data, and even identities of customers.
To safeguard your well-deserved holiday joy and minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals, we've outlined some of the most common and perilous scams to be cautious of, along with insights into their workings and tips to avoid becoming their next target.
Understanding Holiday Phishing Scams:
Phishing is a deceptive technique employed by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or Social Security numbers. During the holiday season, these scams often adopt a festive disguise, misleading victims with holiday-themed emails, messages, and websites. Whether you're purchasing gifts for clients, friends, or family, here are some common tactics employed by holiday phishing scammers:
Holiday-ThemedEmails: Scammers send emails that mimic trusted sources like your favorite retailers or beloved charities. These emails appear legitimate, offering fake exclusive holiday deals, order confirmations, or donation requests. Inside the email, there is usually a link leading to a fake website designed to steal your information, money, or even install dangerous malware on your computer.
Fake Promotions: Cybercriminals create counterfeit holiday promotions and discounts that seem too good to be true. Unsuspecting victims may encounter a great deal from a spoof email account, enticing them to click on links or download attachments containing malware or leading to phishing websites.
In some cases, cybercriminals aim to steal money by duplicating popular retailer websites or creating their own. When you make a purchase, they collect the money, leaving you without the ordered item. Tracking these sites is challenging, making it difficult to recover your money.
Delivery Notifications: With the surge in online shopping during the holidays, scammers send fake delivery notifications, claiming that a package is on its way or that there's a problem with an order. These emails may prompt recipients to click on links or download attachments containing malicious software.
Social Engineering: Scammers may impersonate friends or family members via email or social media, requesting money or personal information under the guise of a holiday emergency or gift exchange. This is a common scam against seniors and young teenagers who might not realize the authenticity of the request.
Recognizing and Avoiding Holiday Phishing Scams:
Now that we understand how holiday phishing scams operate, it's crucial to know how to recognize and avoid falling victim to them.
Verify the Sender: Always check the sender's email address or domain. Be cautious of misspelled or suspicious email addresses. Legitimate companies and organizations use official domains for their communication.
Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover your mouse over links to view the actual URL they lead to. Be wary of shortened links or URLs that don't match the sender's domain. If in doubt, visit the website directly by typing the URL into your browser.
Beware of Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming limited-time offers or imminent problems. Take your time to verify the authenticity of any claims before taking action.
Double-Check Websites: Before entering personal or financial information on a website, ensure it's secure. Look for "https://" in the URL, a padlock icon in the address bar, and a valid SSL certificate.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible, especially for online shopping and banking accounts. This provides an extra layer of security, even if your password is compromised.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about current phishing tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family. The more people are aware, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
Protect Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information via email or text messages, even if the request seems legitimate. Use secure channels for such communication.
While the holiday season is a time for celebration and togetherness, it's crucial to remain vigilant against holiday phishing scams. Cybercriminals prey on the festive spirit and increased online activity during this time. By recognizing the signs of phishing attempts and following best practices for online security, you can protect yourself and ensure a safe and joyous holiday season for you and your loved ones.
Business owners: If your staff will be ordering gifts online for clients, ensure they know how to spot a phishing attack, and that your network is properly secured in case something slips through the cracks. You don't want your organization to be negatively impacted by extending holiday goodwill. If you aren't sure if you're protected, please give us a call or schedule a 10-minute discovery session with our team. We can help give you peace of mind this holiday season. Click here to book now, and happy holidays!
