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!
