The holiday season is often proclaimed the most wonderful time of the year, but it also brings out those who could best be described as follows, and I quote: “Stink, stank, stunk!”
It happens every year: Grinches try to take the joy out of the holidays. With more people shopping online and avoiding malls, email and texting scams are on the rise. In fact, one cyber company cites that the number of shipping-related phishing emails increased 440% in just one month (from October to November)! Here are a few things to watch out for to avoid being scammed:
Fake Delivery Texts or Emails
You’ve likely done more shopping from your couch this year, and bad actors are trying to catch you dozing with fake texts and emails impersonating shipping companies asking for confidential credentials to confirm or track deliveries. Rather than responding, visit the online retailer or shipping company's website.
Texts or Emails from Unknown Retailers
If you receive an email or text from a retailer you haven’t visited or don’t recognize, or get a deal that seems too good to be true, rather than clicking on a link, search for and visit the retailer’s website or call the customer service number posted on the site (not in the email or text).
Requests for Personal Information
Background checks aren’t required to land a PlayStation®5. Sites asking for too much information or security details (e.g., a code word, your mother’s maiden name) to complete a purchase are highly likely to be phishing scams.
Saving Payment Details
Don’t allow a site to save your payment details unless you shop there regularly. The 30 seconds you save isn’t worth the risk.
BONUS TIPS!
- Keep your accounts secure. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- When shopping online, make sure the connection is secure. Look for a padlock or “https” in the URL.
- Read our “Shopping Tips for the Holidays” for information about other holiday scams.
- To report scams or learn more about staying safe online no matter the time of year, visit our COVID-19 & Cyber Tips posted on TechU.
Today's blog comes from Deborah Blyth, OIT's Chief Information Security Officer