It’s Nearly Ch**st**s!

Yes we know it’s only November 22nd (at the time of writing this post), but Christmas is fast approaching and so are the scammers. Every year cybercriminals ramp up activity in the lead up to Christmas, targeting businesses and individuals. To help keep you safe this Christmas, here are some of the top scams to watch out for and tips on how to help protect yourself.

Fake Online Stores

With the convenience of online shopping, many of us turn to the internet to buy Christmas gifts. However, scammers are well aware of this and often set up fake online stores that look surprisingly legitimate. These websites may offer deals that seem too good to be true or even clone well-known brands to lure unsuspecting shoppers.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Always check the URL to make sure you’re on the official website.
  • Look for reviews of the store before purchasing.
  • Be wary of deals that are significantly cheaper than the competition.
  • If it seems too good to be true then it probably is!

If you do come across a website that is a scam you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre here.

Phishing Emails and Texts

During the festive season, phishing attacks become even more common. These scams often come in the form of emails or texts pretending to be from legitimate companies, offering holiday deals, confirming fake orders, or sending tracking information for parcels you didn’t order. The goal is to trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Double-check the sender’s email address or phone number for any discrepancies.
  • Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected emails or texts.
  • If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using official contact information.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams are a classic tactic that peaks around the holiday season. Scammers might pose as a trusted contact, asking you to purchase gift cards as a favour or claiming you’ve won a prize that requires buying a gift card to claim. These scams can also occur on auction sites where fraudulent sellers only accept gift cards as payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Never purchase gift cards on behalf of someone else, especially if it seems unusual.
  • Be cautious of sellers that only accept gift cards for payments.
  • If you receive a gift card-related email or message, verify it directly with the sender.

Fake Charity Appeals

Christmas is a time for giving, and scammers often take advantage of the season’s generosity by creating fake charity appeals. These scams can come via phone calls, emails, social media posts, or even street canvassing. They may use emotional stories and images to encourage you to donate to a non-existent cause.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Research any charity before making a donation. A quick search online can often reveal if they are legitimate.
  • Check if the charity is registered with a governing body.
  • Avoid giving out personal or financial information over the phone.
  • Make donations directly through official charity websites.

Delivery Scams

As people order gifts online, delivery scams become more prevalent. These scams involve emails or texts claiming you’ve missed a delivery, need to reschedule, or pay a fee to receive your package. Often, the link leads to a fake website designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited delivery notifications.
  • Check tracking details by visiting the courier’s official website, not through links in messages.
  • Avoid providing personal information unless you’re sure of the legitimacy of the request.
  • Keep an eye on your delivery schedule so you know what to expect.

Final Tips for Staying Safe This Christmas

  • Stay Vigilant: Be cautious with unexpected offers, messages, or phone calls. If something seems off, trust your instincts.
  • Use Strong Passwords: Keep your accounts secure by using strong, unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication where possible.
  • Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone in your household knows about these common scams and what to look out for.

Stay safe and enjoy a scam-free holiday season!

For more tips on staying secure this festive period, feel free to reach out to us at Inside Technology or contact us directly at 03333 586222.