You’ve heard of the 12 days of Christmas? Now there’s the 12 Scams of the Holidays!
The majority of Canadians will use their computers, tablets and smartphones as shopping tools this holiday season. Nearly 3/4 of Canadian shoppers will review their items online before purchasing it. Nearly 2/3 (63%) will visit a store to look for a gift, then buy it for the best price online. Nearly 1/3 (30%) intend to use their tablet, smartphone, or a combination to assist in their holiday shopping. 64% will do their online shopping via their home or business computer.
As you head online this holiday season to order your gifts, plan travel and spread cheer, be alert and stay aware. If a deal sounds too good to be true…it usually is! Learn how to keep your holiday cheer, and avoid the 12 Scams of the Holidays. Make sure your employees are informed, and keep your computer data safe!
1. Social Media Scams:
Beware of ads for phony contests, and “stay at home” job postings. Even if they are from your friends.
2. Malicious Mobile Apps:
Only download apps from official app stores, check users’ reviews and read the app permission policies.
3. Travel Scams:
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. When on the road, be careful when using free Wi-Fi connections – people can see your computer (and files) if you have it set up wrong.
4. Holiday Spam/Phishing:
Never respond to spam emails, or click on an included link. If you’re suspicious of a link, hover your cursor over the link (don’t click!). The ‘address’ of where the link actually leads to will appear. If the link doesn’t look like it directs you to where it says it does, don’t click. Or better yet, if you’re suspicious, just don’t click.
5. iPhone, iPad, and other hot holiday gift scams:
Be suspicious of deals on hot holiday gift items. Try to verify them with the retailer.
6. Skype Message Scare:
Never click on a suspicious link, even if it comes from someone you know.
7. Bogus Gift Cards:
Buy gift cards from the official retailer and not a third-party source. And check to make sure the hidden ‘personal ID code’ has not been scratched off before you buy. Avoid online auction sites where gift cards are more likely to be fake or fraudulently obtained.
8. Holiday SMiShing:
Remember that legitimate businesses, like banks, won’t ask you to verify personal information via texts.
9. Phony E-tailers:
Only shop at trusted and well-known e-commerce sites.
10. Fake Charities:
When you want to share in the Holiday Spirit, visit the charity’s website and do a little research before donating.
11. Dangerous E-cards:
Check to see that the sender is someone you actually know and it comes from a well-known e-card site.
12. Phony Classifieds:
Don’t wire money for “deals”, and make sure you don’t pay for an item before receiving it.
If you’re concerned about the security of your company’s data, call Technology by Design at 1-204-800-3166.
We can provide a Network Security Analysis, so you know where you’re vulnerable…and how to fix it!
Leave a Reply