Cyberhackers are constantly strengthening their tactics to trick you into giving them your confidential information, especially during the holidays.
Here are some of the most common scams happening throughout the holiday shopping season:
- Fake Charities and Fundraisers: Receiving calls or emails asking for donations. You think you’re giving your payment information to a staff member, when it’s just a cyberhacker convincing you to give them your information.
- Fake Shipping Notifications: You will receive an email regarding a package, but attached within that email is a malware virus link. If you didn’t order anything or don’t recognize the order, don’t open the email.
- Amazon Scam Email: The hacker sends a fake email claiming the package you ordered cannot be delivered, prompting you to enter your personal information. The email warns you to enter your information, or you won’t be able to access your Amazon account in the future.
- Downloading Mobile Applications: Pay attention to what free apps you download. Some apps are impersonators designed to steal personal information that has been stored within your device. If you question the credibility of the app, it most likely is a fake.
- Free Wi-Fi: Open networks give hackers access your device where your personal information, such as credit cards, is stored. To prevent sharing your confidential information, turn off file sharing while connected to free or open Wi-Fi accounts.
Sources:
https://fox59.com/2016/12/07/bbb-warns-of-the-12-scams-during-the-holiday-season/
https://insider.foxnews.com/2016/12/08/holiday-email-scam-targets-amazon-shoppers