HOW TO PREVENT BEING SCAMMED DURING THE HOLIDAYS
With the holidays comes a spirit of giving and faith in humanity. It also opens up those trusting folks to scams and potential security problems. Scammers are using phony text messages to spread malware, ransomware, and misery for computer shoppers. One study reported that one in twenty-five apps supposedly issued by retailers were fraudulent. These apps are capable of stealing personal information and attacking servers and devices used to access them.
So, here are some things that are top of the list in scams for the 2017 holidays.
Free gift card for shopping companies that are randomly offered in exchange for sharing your shopping experience. These scammers ask for personal information, identification, bank information, etc.
Congratulations, you just won a gift card! If you click the link, you are likely to be providing access to your device that downloads malware. Hackers can scan your device for personal information and other valuable data. In the spirit of giving and the holidays, no one wants to be hard-hearted and ignore a plea for those in need. Still there are scammers out there using names of fake organization to gain donations that really open your device to malware just like the free gift mentioned earlier.
Hackers use the online shopping season to phish for victims by telling them that there is something wrong with an order that they placed via Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc. Those situations are used to capture your personal information too.
Combine these hacks with fake retailers, phony online deals, and fake call centers and there is plenty to be cautious about. All of these situations can be avoided by taking your time and using good common sense. Before opening a message or attachment, be sure that the company is reputable. Check online for similar scams. Call the company’s customer service center directly. Take a moment to check the ATM and gas pump when you are paying by credit card. Hackers will place a card skimmer to capture your credit card information when you pay with plastic at the pump or use an ATM. Pay attention to the machine that you are using.
Physically being smart about your personal safety is also critically important. Ask for carry-out service when shopping with small children. Stores are happy to provide a clerk to carry your purchases out to your car and help you to be safe. Security guards at the mall can provide a similar safety measure.
Be aware of cars that are running beside your parked car, items placed on your windshield, and odd vehicles where you are parked. It is better to be late and safe than to rush and become a victim. Lock your car with your key. Hackers have developed methods to “redirect” or “replay” your cars unlocking mechanism if you use your key fob. When you leave your car, they can play back the signal that your fob sent and unlock your car while you are shopping.
Plan and prepare for the holidays. Be safe and enjoy them as they are meant to be enjoyed; safe and secure with family and friends. Happy Holidays – TAE KWON
