"The holiday season brings great deals, busy schedules, and... a spike in online scams. Cybercriminals know shoppers are rushing, distracted, and eager to grab limited-time offers. That makes November and December the perfect time for them to launch phishing campaigns, set up fake websites, and impersonate delivery companies. The good news? With a few simple habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk of playing victim this holiday season."
""Pause before you purchase. Fraudsters rely on the fear of missing out (FOMO). If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is," Chmel said. Beyond evaluating the deal itself, make sure the site you're on is legitimate: Type retailer names directly into your browser instead of clicking ads. Shop through official mobile apps when possible. Check for "https" and a padlock icon in your browser that indicates an encrypted connection. Be cautious of retailers you've never heard of offering deeply discounted big-ticket items."
"Holiday-themed phishing is one of the most common and effective scams. You might receive emails or texts pretending to be from UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon, or a retailer - claiming a package couldn't be delivered, or a payment is required. Chmel warns: "Watch out for fake delivery texts. Fraudsters send realistic messages pretending to be couriers. Always check directly with the retailer or delivery service provider before clicking any links.""
The holiday shopping period produces increased phishing, fake storefronts, and delivery impersonation as criminals exploit rushed, distracted shoppers chasing limited-time deals. Consumers should pause before purchases, verify site legitimacy by typing retailer URLs, using official apps, and checking for https and a padlock. Delivery-themed phishing arrives via realistic emails or texts claiming failed delivery or payment requirements; always confirm with the carrier or retailer before clicking links. Watch for unexpected order confirmations and urgent requests to "fix" account or payment details. Simple verification habits and deliberate pacing significantly lower the chance of falling for holiday scams.
Read at TechRepublic
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