Ho Ho Ho! Happy Holidays! 🎅
But wait, before you open your presents and enjoy your eggnog, there's something you need to know. There are some naughty cyber scammers out there who want to ruin your holiday spirit. They might try to trick you into clicking on fake links, downloading malware, or giving away your personal information. Don't let them get away with it!
Cyber criminals are clever and when rushed it is easy to be fooled. For example, both of these email addresses look similar but they are not the same. Can you spot the difference?
Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of cyber scams this Christmas:
Be wary of emails or messages that claim to offer amazing deals, free gifts, or urgent notifications. They might be phishing attempts that lead you to malicious websites or ask you to enter your credentials.
Check the sender's address and the URL of any links before you click on them. Look for typos, misspellings, or unusual domains. If something looks fishy, don't bite!
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all of your online accounts. This will make it harder for hackers to access your data or steal your identity.
Update your antivirus software and scan your devices regularly. This will help you detect and remove any malware that might be impacting into your system.
Shop only from trusted and secure websites. Look for the padlock icon and the "https" in the address bar. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or shared computers when making online transactions.
Don't share too much personal information on social media. Cyber scammers might use it to target you with personalized scams or impersonate you or your friends.
If an email is threatening or urgent in tone, do not respond. This is a common tactic used to pressure a victim into taking immediate action.
If you receive an email, phone call, social media message or text message about a parcel you weren’t expecting, treat it with suspicion.
If you suspect that you have been scammed, report it to the authorities and contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Don't be ashamed or afraid to ask for help.
Remember, cyber scammers aren’t on Santa’s “nice” list. They don't care about your happiness or well-being. They only want to take advantage of you. Don't let them do that!
Follow these tips and stay safe online this holiday season. 🎄