The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Since it is the end of the year, everyone gathers around their family and friends to share happiness. People buy gifts, decorate their homes, and cook food to celebrate the joys of Christmas. Thus, scammers take advantage of this opportunity to trick people and steal their data. And once they have access to your personal information, they can blackmail you all year long.
Since people do not have time to verify the sources and are eager to take instant action, they easily become victims of fraud. So, knowing about the scams you might encounter this year is important.
Top 5 Christmas Scams to Watch Out From
Some common holiday frauds are listed below.
Social Media Shopping Scams
You should be aware of the vouchers and gift cards being offered on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and others. Scammers trick people into entering contests so they can win vouchers and shop for discounts. They send phishing links so you can participate. If you open the link, they steal your personal information so they can blackmail you later for money. Moreover, sometimes they ask you to fill out a form, and malware gets installed in your system once you download it.
Therefore, you should stay diligent and not participate in contests that request you to enter your details. Also, ensure that you have good antivirus software to prevent malware from corrupting your system. If you do not have one, then ask your internet service provider because most ISPs like HughesNet offer premium antivirus software such as Norton 360 Deluxe to enhance your cyber security. A good antivirus solution can delete the malware before it spreads, so it is crucial to have one. So, if you are interested to know more about its services, click here.
Fake Delivery Notification
During the holiday season, most of us order goods from Amazon, Target, and other online stores, so this type of scam has increased. Hackers use this opportunity to send fraudulent emails and notifications that look legit. If you are waiting for your parcel to arrive, then there are chances that you can fall victim to this scam. The notification asks you to confirm your address and financial details before it can be shipped. So do not fall for this scam, and always confirm the resource. If you are unsure, you can contact the store’s support team and inquire about the email.
Online Shopping Frauds
This is another common online shopping fraud that many people fall victim to because it is difficult to detect. Since everyone is excited to purchase gifts for their loved ones and goods for themselves, they easily land on bogus websites.
Hackers create fake online stores that look legitimate and steal your money for the goods you will never get. You might get fake items or empty boxes, so only shop from trusted websites, so you do not lose your hard-earned money.
Banking Scams
Scammers trick you into giving away your banking information by acting as the representative of specific banks. They ask you to do it immediately since scams have increased, so you do not get the time to think about the issue. Most of you might give away your details, which are either used for stealing money or claiming loans in your name. Hackers might also send an email asking you to confirm your details. As a result, you download viruses that corrupt your system.
Fake Charities
Christmas is the time of spreading joy and helping the struggling ones. Fraudsters cash in this information and pretend to be the needy ones. They might also pretend that they are running a charitable institute so you can give a good amount to them. Many people believe Christmas to be the right time to donate money for the love of God and do not verify the source.
Therefore, if you want to donate, ensure you research the legitimate organization, so your money reaches the right people.
All in All…
The holiday season is a time of celebrations, so scammers have several opportunities to cash in. Scammers rob you of your money or personal information that can ruin your holiday mood in seconds. So, while you are busy with the celebrations, do not forget about your security and be cautious about the notifications and emails you receive. Always recheck the sources and confirm with the support team before you take any action.
