Tips to Stay Safe Online This Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for joy, celebration and connecting with loved ones. However, it’s also a time when cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to take advantage of your festive spirit. Increased online shopping, travel bookings and digital communications during the holidays create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities as people let their guard down.
Here are some friendly tips to help you protect yourself from cybersecurity threats this holiday season:
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Phishing Emails: Scammers send fake emails that appear to be from reputable companies, offering holiday deals or asking for personal information. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking suspicious links.
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Fake Online Stores: Cybercriminals create fake websites that mimic legitimate online stores to steal your money and personal information. Stick to well-known and reputable websites when making purchases.
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Gift Card Scams: Scammers tamper with gift cards by scratching off the protective coating to reveal the PIN, then reapplying a new coating. When the card is purchased and activated, the scammer uses the funds. Carefully examine any gift cards you purchase and consider sending e-gift cards directly from reputable sites.
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Fake Charities: During the holidays, many people are in a giving spirit, and scammers take advantage of this by creating fake charities. Always research a charity before donating and use trusted platforms to make your contributions.
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Delivery Scams: Scammers send fake delivery notifications via email or text, prompting you to click on a link to track a package. These links often lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information. Verify delivery notifications by visiting the carrier’s official website directly.
