As we revel in the joy and generosity of the holiday season, it’s crucial to be mindful of an increased risk of falling victim to Cyber Threats this holiday season Unfortunately, cybercriminals seize this festive period to exploit our festive cheer and gift-giving spirit. During these celebratory moments, when our focus is on merriment and exchanging presents, cyber threats like phishing, social engineering, and SMS phishing attacks tend to surge. Criminals capitalize on the heightened willingness to help, making it imperative to stay vigilant and protect ourselves from these potential threats.

Avoiding Fake Festive Deals

Cybercriminals exploit people’s eagerness to find the perfect gifts quickly and affordably in the hustle and excitement of the holiday season. Scammers employ a deceptive tactic by creating fraudulent social media ads, claiming to offer popular items of the year at unbelievably discounted prices. These fake advertisements are designed to mislead, presenting counterfeit versions of sought-after products. Staying vigilant against such scams becomes paramount as we navigate the online marketplace flooded with enticing but deceitful offers. Be cautious and ensure your festive shopping is not marred by falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.

What to Do:

When making a purchase, remember these steps:

• Always shop from the IP address where you first found the item you want to buy. If an ad promises better deals, don’t follow it. Instead, go straight to the company’s website. Keep in mind that things that sound too good to be true often are.
• In case of issues, contact the company you “ordered” from immediately if you order something through an ad and never get it. If they can’t find your order, quickly freeze your credit card and get a new one.

Beware of Spoofed SMS Regarding Late Packages

• With the surge in online Christmas shopping, hackers capitalize on this trend through a deceptive cyberattack. Individuals receive SMS messages informing them that a package they ordered won’t arrive on time, preying on the anxiety of potential gift delays.
• The unsuspecting victim is lured into clicking links resembling familiar platforms like “Amazon” or “UPS,” redirecting them to a deceptive website. Here, they are prompted to input personal information, or their device becomes an immediate target for malware installation.
• This scam has become more widespread. Targets may also receive an SMS instructing them to call a provided customer service number. Unfortunately, the number is a sham, connecting them

directly to the attacker. The caller may create a façade of normalcy, tricking the victim into divulging personal and business information.

When faced with such SMS messages:

Avoid clicking on any links. Exercise caution and patience. Instead, verify the delivery status by checking the shipping company’s website or calling their customer service. Hackers aim to exploit financial vulnerabilities, but taking this extra step can prevent falling for their tricks.

Beware of Malicious Greeting Emails During the Holidays

During the holiday season, one of the most prevalent tactics employed by hackers involves emails that automatically install malware upon being read or clicked. Recognized as a common gateway for cybercriminals to infiltrate business networks or acquire personal information, these deceptive emails capitalize on the festive influx of holiday-related correspondence.

Cybercriminals strategically embed their emails amidst the plethora of virtual gift cards and annual holiday greetings, blending in seamlessly to deceive recipients. These malicious actors only require basic information, such as a friend’s name or the workplace, to craft legitimate emails. An unsuspecting recipient may receive a cheerful email from a coworker, enticing them to open it for a humorous message, only to activate the hidden malware unknowingly.

Ensuring a Secure Holiday Season:

To maintain the holiday spirit without compromising security:

We understand the importance of genuine e-gift cards or Christmas cards from friends. Before clicking on any email, ask yourself if you recognize the writer. Hover your mouse over the sender to view the email’s domain and ensure it aligns with your company or the claimed source.

Before clicking links or reading the email, send the “sender” a thank-you message through a different channel. This ensures their authenticity before moving forward.

Beware of Fake Gift Card Scams

A prevalent scam involves the creation of fraudulent websites offering unbelievable deals on gift cards for popular stores. For instance, scammers might advertise a $100 Best Buy gift card for just $50. To add urgency, these fraudsters claim that the deals are time-sensitive, pressuring victims to make immediate purchases.

Individuals who fall for this scam provide their bank information, resulting in money being withdrawn from their accounts. Unfortunately, they never receive the promised gift card and are left with less money. Moreover, their financial information is now compromised, making them susceptible to further attacks. Stay vigilant to protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive practices.

Preventing Gift Card Scams:

To steer clear of this scam:

Purchase gift cards exclusively from the store’s official website or from sellers you know and trust. Exercise caution when deals seem too good to be true; they often are. Verify the authenticity of the source before making any purchases.

Remember that legitimate sellers will never sell a gift card for less than its actual worth. Be vigilant, ensuring the source is genuine, to avoid falling victim to deceptive schemes.

Scams Involving Charities:

• What Takes Place: As highlighted in our blog post about Black Friday scams, cybercriminals exploit the generosity of individuals during this giving season. They attempt to coax people into donating money to fake causes through phone calls, emails, or text messages. Employing stories and social engineering, these fraudsters pose as fake charities, manipulating individuals into giving them money over the phone by falsely claiming to represent a non-existent charitable organization. Subsequently, they request card information to access the victim’s bank account.
• What Should I Do?: If you’re on the phone with a charity and feel compelled to donate, politely ask for the group’s name, express that you’d prefer to contribute when it’s convenient for you, and then hang up. Afterward, conduct your own study to ensure the charity is genuine and explore safer ways to give money.

Learn more about how to donate by visiting the website or physical location of the group you want to support. You can contribute to a cause without divulging your financial information over the phone by donating items in person or volunteering.

Despite the holidays being a time of warmth and happiness, staying alert for online security threats is crucial. Safeguard yourself and your family from hackers by understanding common scams and exercising caution when online. Let’s relish this holiday season safely and securely, ensuring that the only surprises we encounter are those wrapped in holiday paper.

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