The holiday season is here—a time filled with joy, celebrations, and shopping. But while you’re busy hunting for the perfect gifts, scammers are just as busy looking for unsuspecting targets. And unfortunately, Christmas has become the prime season for cybercriminals to prey on online shoppers.
The Most Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers thrive on taking advantage of high shopping volumes, delivery delays, and the chaos of the festive period. Here are the three top scams to guard yourself against this season.
Phishing and Smishing Attacks
Phishing (via emails) and smishing (via SMS text messages) are incredibly common during the holidays. These attacks often come in the form of messages that appear to be from trusted sources like familiar retailers, banks, or even shipping companies.
How it works:
You receive an email or text saying there’s an issue with your order or delivery.
The message might include an urgent request and a link to “fix” the issue.
The provided link leads to fake websites designed to steal your personal or payment information.
Red flag: Think twice if the message seems overly urgent. Big companies rarely send time-sensitive demands via email or SMS.
Fake E-commerce Sites and Social Media Ads
Have you seen ads for jaw-dropping discounts on new gadgets or luxury items? While the deals might look too good to be true—often, that’s exactly what they are.
How it works:
Scammers create fake websites or ads that mimic legitimate e-commerce shops.
These sites are designed to steal your credit card details or install malware once you complete a purchase.
Red flag: If the price seems suspiciously low or the website design looks slightly off, avoid making purchases. Verify the business's legitimacy by checking reviews or directly visiting their known domain.
Fake Delivery Notifications
With millions of packages being shipped during the holidays, scammers know you’re likely expecting a delivery. That’s why fake delivery notifications are another common way to exploit unsuspecting recipients.
How it works:
You get an email or text message claiming there’s an issue with your delivery.
You’re asked to click on a link to “provide updated contact information” or “reschedule delivery.”
These links either collect your sensitive data or send malware to your device.
Red flag: Reputable delivery services won’t ask for sensitive information or for you to click links when confirming shipping details.
Cybersecurity Tips for Staying Safe
Knowing about these scams is the first step to protecting yourself. But what else can you do to lower your chances of becoming a victim? Here are five practical, lesser-known tips you can apply.
Be Cautious with Public USB Charging Stations
Public USB charging stations—like those at airports or malls—can be used to install malware on your device. This is called "juice jacking," and it’s a sneaky method hackers employ to gain access to your data.
What to do instead: Always carry your own charger or portable power bank. They’re a safer alternative and ensure your devices stay secure.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Fraudulent activity can often go unnoticed if you don’t keep an eye on your financial accounts or social profiles.
How this helps: Regular checks can catch unusual transactions or login attempts early, preventing greater damage.
Pro tip: Set up transaction alerts with your bank. This way, you’ll get immediate notifications for any suspicious activity.
Use Anti-Phishing Browser Extensions
You’d be amazed at how many phishing websites could sneak into your browsing sessions. Browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Google Safe Browsing can help detect and block fraudulent sites before you accidentally fall for their tricks.
How to set it up: Most modern browsers (like Chrome or Firefox) support easy installation. A simple download from their extension marketplace could level up your browsing security.
Enable Browser Security Features
Many built-in browser settings are there to protect you but often go unnoticed or unused.
What to activate:
"Do Not Track" settings to limit tracking of your data by websites.
Pop-up blockers to stop malicious or fake pop-ups.
Preemptive warnings about websites flagged as unsafe.
Check your browser’s “Privacy” or “Security” settings and toggle these features on for an added layer of protection.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
Shopping from a cozy café during the holidays is fun, but using public Wi-Fi for online shopping or accessing your bank account is a risky move. These networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to attackers.
What to do instead:
Use your phone’s mobile hotspot instead—it’s much more secure.
If you must use public Wi-Fi, install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and shields your data from prying eyes.
Other Common Quick Safety Tips to Consider
Update your passwords regularly: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an additional layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
Stay informed: Sign up for updates from cybersecurity organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness—not for the stress of falling victim to scammers. Stay vigilant, shop smart, and keep the holiday spirit alive!
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