The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it is also a prime opportunity for cyber criminals to exploit unsuspecting victims. With online shopping, festive emails, and year-end transactions, it is crucial to stay vigilant. Here are 12 common cyber scams to watch out for this Christmas and tips to protect yourself.
1. Fake Delivery Notifications – With the surge in online shopping, scammers send fake delivery notifications via email or text claiming there’s an issue with your parcel. These messages often include malicious links that steal your personal information or install malware. Always verify delivery updates directly with the courier’s official website.
2. Gift Card Fraud – Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a target for fraudsters. Scammers may sell fake or stolen gift cards online or trick you into sharing the card’s details. Only purchase gift cards from trusted retailers and avoid sharing card numbers with anyone.
3. Charity Donation Scams – The season of giving inspires many to donate to charity, but scammers exploit this goodwill by creating fake charities or impersonating real ones. Before donating, research the organisation and ensure it’s legitimate by checking its registration with official charity regulators.
4. Fake Online Shops – Cyber criminals set up fake online stores offering deals that seem too good to be true. These websites often steal your payment details or send counterfeit goods. Stick to reputable retailers and look for secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted payment platforms.
5. Holiday-Themed Phishing Emails – Phishing emails disguised as holiday promotions, e-cards, or special offers are common during Christmas. These emails often contain malicious links or attachments. Be cautious of unsolicited emails and verify offers directly on the retailer’s official website.
6. Travel Booking Scams – Scammers create fake travel websites or listings offering discounted flights, hotels, or holiday packages. Always book through reputable travel agencies or directly with airlines and hotels.
7. Fake Invoices & Year-End Payment Requests – Businesses and individuals are often targeted with fake invoices or urgent payment requests during the busy holiday season. Double-check the sender’s details and verify any payment requests with the supposed issuer before making payments.
8. Parcel Redirection Scams – Scammers may intercept your deliveries by redirecting parcels to a different address. Be cautious of emails or texts asking you to update your delivery details. Always contact the delivery company directly to confirm any changes.
9. Social Media Giveaways – Social media is flooded with holiday giveaways, but not all are legitimate. Scammers create fake contests to collect personal information or trick you into clicking malicious links. Verify the authenticity of giveaways by checking the official accounts of brands or companies.
10. Fake Banking alerts – Fraudsters often send fake banking alerts, claiming there’s an issue with your account or a suspicious transaction. These messages may prompt you to click a link or provide sensitive information. Always contact your bank directly using official channels to verify any alerts.
11. Malicious E-cards – E-cards are a fun way to spread holiday cheer, but cyber criminals can use them to deliver malware. Be cautious of e-cards from unknown senders or those with suspicious links. Stick to e-cards from trusted platforms.
12. End of year ‘security updates’ – Scammers may send fake notifications urging you to install “security updates” or renew subscriptions for antivirus software. These often contain malware or phishing links. Only download updates from official websites or trusted sources.
How to Stay Safe this Christmas
This holiday season, it’s important to stay vigilant online. Be cautious of deals or offers that seem unusually good, and always verify the legitimacy of emails, websites, and messages before clicking on links or sharing personal information. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Keep your devices and software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities, and regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity. Taking these steps can help ensure a safe and stress-free festive season.