#holidayscams

[ledenews]

Scam Alert Lady Says: Protect Your Holiday Joy!

What a joyous season we are entering!  Decorations adorn city streets and neighborhoods.  Parades are being held to open the holiday season.  Sales are being promoted everywhere.  The holidays are upon us!

Scammers are excited to see the holidays, too!  Would you like to donate to your favorite charity (out of the goodness of your heart or for the tax credits)?  Are you lonely and think you’ve found your soul-mate online?  Are you looking for good deals on gifts?  Do you order for home delivery?  Be cautious!

Charity scams are especially big during the holidays.  We tend to be more generous, and scammers know this.  When you’re planning your holiday giving, consider these tips:

*Are demands made for you to donate gift cards, wire transfers or crypto?  These are not legitimate requests.

*Is the website missing https?  (It may have only “http”.)  Look for the “s” – that means it’s a secure data transmission.  No “s”?  Not secure.

*Are you being pressured to donate NOW?  Scammers use urgency to get you to act quickly without thinking.  Ask them to mail you information.

The holidays promote togetherness, family, and connections with others.  Scammers know this and will target vulnerable people.  They will make themselves appear as whatever the potential scammee wants.  They will promise devotion.  The next step may be a request for money.  Be cautious and keep an eye on loved ones who are alone.

Prices have gone up…a lot.  We need to save money where we can.  Scammers will promise great deals but they won’t deliver.   You have provided your personal information and credit card information to a con artist.  Make sure URLs are accurate.  Don’t respond to an email about a deal – go directly to the business website.

Deliveries to your home make shopping so convenient!  We don’t have to trudge from store to store in what is often really cold weather.  We can sit by the fire, sip on a beverage, browse the deals, and order.  These orders can add up, so we may not be as alert as we need to be when we get a text or email about a delay in delivery.  Be cautious about fake delivery notices.  Scammers can get personal information.  Don’t click on the link that is provided.  Use the tracking number provided on your order summary.

The “porch pirate” is the other home-delivery risk.  If you’re not home, arrange for packages to be delivered to a neighbor or to an alternate address where someone can accept the package.     A Ring-type doorbell system or a home security system can add a level of protection.

USA Today offers more information on scams that are popping up this holiday season. 

Stay alert.  Scammers are not nice people.  They don’t care if you have money problems, health issues, family conflict, or a broken-down car.  They want your money, and they want your personal information. 

Don’t let scammers steal your joy this holiday season!

Stay safe!

[ledenews]

Scam Alert Lady Says: Protect Your Holiday Joy!

What a joyous season we are entering!  Decorations adorn city streets and neighborhoods.  Parades are being held to open the holiday season.  Sales are being promoted everywhere.  The holidays are upon us!

Scammers are excited to see the holidays, too!  Would you like to donate to your favorite charity (out of the goodness of your heart or for the tax credits)?  Are you lonely and think you’ve found your soul-mate online?  Are you looking for good deals on gifts?  Do you order for home delivery?  Be cautious!

Charity scams are especially big during the holidays.  We tend to be more generous, and scammers know this.  When you’re planning your holiday giving, consider these tips:

*Are demands made for you to donate gift cards, wire transfers or crypto?  These are not legitimate requests.

*Is the website missing https?  (It may have only “http”.)  Look for the “s” – that means it’s a secure data transmission.  No “s”?  Not secure.

*Are you being pressured to donate NOW?  Scammers use urgency to get you to act quickly without thinking.  Ask them to mail you information.

The holidays promote togetherness, family, and connections with others.  Scammers know this and will target vulnerable people.  They will make themselves appear as whatever the potential scammee wants.  They will promise devotion.  The next step may be a request for money.  Be cautious and keep an eye on loved ones who are alone.

Prices have gone up…a lot.  We need to save money where we can.  Scammers will promise great deals but they won’t deliver.   You have provided your personal information and credit card information to a con artist.  Make sure URLs are accurate.  Don’t respond to an email about a deal – go directly to the business website.

Deliveries to your home make shopping so convenient!  We don’t have to trudge from store to store in what is often really cold weather.  We can sit by the fire, sip on a beverage, browse the deals, and order.  These orders can add up, so we may not be as alert as we need to be when we get a text or email about a delay in delivery.  Be cautious about fake delivery notices.  Scammers can get personal information.  Don’t click on the link that is provided.  Use the tracking number provided on your order summary.

The “porch pirate” is the other home-delivery risk.  If you’re not home, arrange for packages to be delivered to a neighbor or to an alternate address where someone can accept the package.     A Ring-type doorbell system or a home security system can add a level of protection.

USA Today offers more information on scams that are popping up this holiday season. 

Stay alert.  Scammers are not nice people.  They don’t care if you have money problems, health issues, family conflict, or a broken-down car.  They want your money, and they want your personal information. 

Don’t let scammers steal your joy this holiday season!

Stay safe!

[ledenews]

Scam Alert Lady Says: Protect Your Holiday Joy!

What a joyous season we are entering!  Decorations adorn city streets and neighborhoods.  Parades are being held to open the holiday season.  Sales are being promoted everywhere.  The holidays are upon us! Scammers are excited to see the holidays, too!  Would you like to donate to your favorite charity (out of the goodness of your heart or for the tax credits)?  Are you lonely and think you’ve found your soul-mate online?  Are you looking for good deals on gifts?  Do you order for home delivery?  Be cautious! Charity scams are especially big during the holidays.  We tend to be more generous, and scammers know this.  When you’re planning your holiday giving, consider these tips: *Are demands made for you to donate gift cards, wire transfers or crypto?  These are not legitimate requests. *Is the website missing https?  (It may have only “http”.)  Look for the “s” – that means it’s a secure data transmission.  No “s”?  Not secure. *Are you being pressured to donate NOW?  Scammers use urgency to get you to act quickly without thinking.  Ask them to mail you information. The holidays promote togetherness, family, and connections with others.  Scammers know this and will target vulnerable people.  They will make themselves appear as whatever the potential scammee wants.  They will promise devotion.  The next step may be a request for money.  Be cautious and keep an eye on loved ones who are alone. Prices have gone up…a lot.  We need to save money where we can.  Scammers will promise great deals but they won’t deliver.   You have provided your personal information and credit card information to a con artist.  Make sure URLs are accurate.  Don’t respond to an email about a deal – go directly to the business website. Deliveries to your home make shopping so convenient!  We don’t have to trudge from store to store in what is often really cold weather.  We can sit by the fire, sip on a beverage, browse the deals, and order.  These orders can add up, so we may not be as alert as we need to be when we get a text or email about a delay in delivery.  Be cautious about fake delivery notices.  Scammers can get personal information.  Don’t click on the link that is provided.  Use the tracking number provided on your order summary. The “porch pirate” is the other home-delivery risk.  If you’re not home, arrange for packages to be delivered to a neighbor or to an alternate address where someone can accept the package.     A Ring-type doorbell system or a home security system can add a level of protection. USA Today offers more information on scams that are popping up this holiday season.  Stay alert.  Scammers are not nice people.  They don’t care if you have money problems, health issues, family conflict, or a broken-down car.  They want your money, and they want your personal information.  Don’t let scammers steal your joy this holiday season! Stay safe! Read the full article

[ledenews]

Scam Alert Lady Says: 'Think Before You Click!'

The fire is crackling. You have on your reindeer jammies and fuzzy slippers and you’re sipping on your favorite beverage. Holiday carols are playing and your credit card is on the table. Ordering online has become the way to shop for holiday gifts. It’s so easy and you can find everything! Just hit “Add to my cart” every so often. The holidays offer scammers numerous opportunities to ‘do their job’ which is to get your personal information and your money. There are several ways they can do this.The Federal Trade Commission warns us about fake web sites that will turn us into Grinches. Is the price unbelievably low? Check the terms of the sale. Do some research before you buy!You get a text or email that says that your package is being delayed and you are directed to click on the link to resolve the issue. Don’t do it. You will go down a road of compromised personal information and lost money. Delete the communication.You may be contacted by “your financial institution”. You are advised to click on the provided link to secure your account which takes you to a fake site designed to steal your information. If you have a question, contact your financial institution directly not through the information in the text or email.You can connect and shop from anywhere – the local coffee shop, restaurants, and other locations. But are they secure? Most likely not. Make sure that you are using a secure connection before you order a product and give your credit card information. There is more detail on these scams and others on ACAMS Today.If you’re traveling, make sure to book your arrangements through a trusted site. Fake sites pop up, offering deals that don’t exist, and there goes your money and your travel plans. And bonus for the scammers! They have your credit card information.And speaking of travel plans, watch what you post on social media when you’re traveling. These posts are neon signs that you are away from home. Delay posting especially if no one is watching your home. Have a friend stay in your house. Rotate lighting. Have someone park their car in your driveway. Video surveillance is a good way to monitor your home. Don’t advertise that your home is unoccupied.Social media has normalized sharing information that in years past, people would have found boring and an intrusion. This is no longer the case. People post everything! Be aware that posting too much can compromise your security and the safety of your family. Not only are you offering scammers or thieves your itinerary, you may also be giving those using Artificial Intelligence access to audio and video clips. Think before you click. The University of Kentucky’s Information Technology Services offers more information on “How Oversharing on Social Media Could Put Your Personal Information at Risk”.Be alert. Stay safe! Read the full article

[baitdragon]

Google Warns Gmail Users: Stay Safe from Holiday Scams

As the holiday season approaches, scams are on the rise, and Google is warning Gmail users to be extra cautious. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the festive spirit to launch new schemes designed to steal personal information and money. With an increase in online shopping and heightened holiday traffic, users are becoming prime targets for these deceptive attacks.

Common Holiday Scams Targeting Gmail Users

Google has identified several common scams that Gmail users should be on the lookout for during the holiday season. These scams often use tactics that appear legitimate but are meant to trick users into providing sensitive information, such as credit card details, passwords, or even full identities.

Fake Holiday Offers and Deals Scammers often create fake websites or emails claiming to offer incredible holiday discounts or deals. They may send out enticing offers, such as “50% off” or “Buy One Get One Free” promotions, urging users to click on links or provide payment details. These deals may look genuine, but they are designed to steal money or install malware on your device.

Phishing Emails Disguised as Holiday Greetings Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of online fraud. During the holiday season, scammers may send emails that appear to come from popular retailers or well-known brands, offering holiday greetings or exclusive deals. These emails often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, especially those requesting sensitive details.

Gift Card Scams Another rising scam during the holiday season is the gift card scam, where fraudsters pose as friends, family, or even company representatives, asking you to purchase gift cards as a "favor" or for an urgent situation. Once you’ve purchased the cards, they are asked to be sent to the scammer, who can then quickly cash them in.

Fake Charity Donations The holiday season is also a time when many people are looking to give back. Scammers exploit this generosity by creating fake charities. They send out emails or social media ads urging people to donate to causes that sound noble but do not exist. These scams can easily trick well-meaning individuals into giving money that ends up in the hands of fraudsters.

How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Scams

Google has provided several tips to help Gmail users avoid falling victim to holiday scams:

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Emails: If you receive an email offering a deal or promotion that seems too good to be true, verify the source before clicking on any links or providing any personal information.

Check the Email Address: Scammers often create fake email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Always double-check the sender's email address before engaging with the content.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Protect your Gmail account by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to access your account even if they steal your password.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure that your Gmail password is strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdates or common phrases.

Report Suspicious Emails: If you receive a suspicious email, report it immediately to Google. This helps protect others from falling victim to similar scams.

Stay Vigilant This Holiday Season

Google’s warning serves as a timely reminder that while the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, it is also a prime opportunity for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting users. By staying alert and cautious, you can protect yourself and your finances from these fraudulent schemes. Always trust your instincts, and remember, if something feels off, it probably is.

[farademetre]

Beware: Holiday Scams are on the Rise!'

Fraudsters are stepping up their strategies as the holiday season draws near in an attempt to surprise unwary consumers.

[1stchoicebhl]

"Three ways to avoid giving your hard-earned money to a scammer this holiday season."

www.1stchoicebhl.com

[bokblog]

If you're not the paranoid type, you might be after you read this article. Be familiar with these scams so your shopping adventures don't lead you down a dark alley.