The Winter Holiday Season is upon us! Along with the special days, decorations, and gatherings (that look a bit different this year), we are inundated with huge sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Holiday, and New Year savings events). At this time of year, criminals are especially aware that many people are looking to score a bargain or search for a job to earn extra money. They are hoping to capitalize on a lapse in victims’ judgment during the rush of the holidays.
Some of the more common scams seen during the holidays include posting fake jobs, fake giveaways, requesting donations for fake charities, sales on items from fake stores, and phishing emails. These scams only work if the victim doesn’t do their research before falling the fraud. Recipients of these attempts can look for a few key indicators to tell if something is a scam:
- The deal that sounds too good to be true is an easy way for scammers to steal your credit card information. Example: An online store you’ve never heard of is selling something expensive for a fraction of the typical cost.
- The email or phone call that offers you something for nothing is a method that scammers use to gain credit card or banking information. Example: You receive a phone call that you have won a car or vacation package.
- You are emailed about a job opportunity that comes out of the blue in which scammers may attempt to get your social security number, banking information, or other personal information.
- An unexpected email enticing you to click a link that takes you to a phishing site or other malicious websites. Criminals use this method to trick you into providing personal information.
Remember, any website that requests personal information should be scrutinized before any information is provided. Never trust an email or phone call that asks for your personal or financial information. Guard yourself against scammers and enjoy a safe and secure Holiday season!
If you do fall, victim to a Holiday scam
- Secure your financial accounts immediately. Call your bank or credit card company to stop payment to scammers.
- If applicable, report scam to the appropriate law enforcement entity.
- If you’ve provided login credentials on a phishing site, change all your passwords immediately.
As always, remember these helpful security tips.