It makes sense that so many individuals eagerly anticipate the holidays. It’s an occasion to spend time with loved ones and friends, exchange gifts and holiday memories, and make plans for the upcoming year. The holidays are anticipated by cybercriminals as well, but for very different reasons. This time of year offers them a chance to unleash their plans on a busy, disinterested population that is more concerned with fun than mayhem. While the holidays are approaching, staying safe can be achieved by being aware of several frequent frauds. These 3 very dangerous Holiday scams to be aware of right now are mentioned below.
- Scams involving package delivery
During the previous holiday season, three billion packages are thought to have been shipped. It therefore comes as no surprise that fraudsters have devised a number of techniques involving package deliveries.
One common scam involves receiving a text or email asking you to click on a link for a variety of fictitious purposes, such as receiving an update on the delivery date, tracking the location of the package, indicating your preferred method of payment, giving delivery instructions, or paying a shipping fee. Additionally, you might receive a phone number to contact for more details regarding your delivery. Fraudsters may portray a sense of urgency in their message because they want you to act without thinking.
- Package Missing Scams
Missing a delivery of a package can be annoying?
Cybercriminals are aware of this. They have therefore devised a scheme in which they leave a note on your door claiming to have a box for you that was unable to be delivered. A phone number to call in order to reschedule the delivery is listed in the note. When you call the number, you will be questioned about your identification, which can then be used to perpetrate fraud.
If you get a missed delivery note, carefully examine it to check for any errors or other red flags indicating it might be fake. (Checking recent orders to see if a delivery was planned for that day is also a smart idea.) Don’t contact the number even if the notice appears to be genuine!
- Gift-Card Fraud Gift cards are popular right now.
Scammers have, of course, developed some schemes to exploit this.
A typical gift card scam entails receiving a fraudulent or “phishing” email or text from someone you don’t know, such a company CEO, asking you to buy several gift cards for a work-related occasion. Or maybe it’s a private request purportedly coming from a friend or relative who says they need assistance obtaining gift cards.
During the holidays, if you get any strange requests for gift cards, call the person immediately to verify the request’s legitimacy.
Taking Charge
We wish that you do not have to deal with fraud. But if you are a victim, follow these instructions:
- Inform local law enforcement about the crime.
- Be sure to inform your banks and credit unions.
- Contact the local authorities and report the crime.
Every local authority urges you to report scams you merely come across in order to prevent others from falling prey to them.