With so much fuss and flurry during the festive season, it’s no wonder scammers have ample opportunity for successful email cons.
Everyone gets twice as busy and completely Christmas mad so naturally we may be less aware of security risks that can arise online. You could be booking flights to see your family, donating to a good cause or finishing off your Christmas shopping, but you must always stay alert so you don’t hand your personal details to the wrong people.
So here are 5 email scams that you should look out for during the holidays:
1. Holiday accommodation and Flights Emails
If your jetting off the to the sun, in search of snow perfect for skiing or simply travelling to spend Christmas with the family, you’ll be searching online for flights and somewhere nice to stay.
Look out for emails advertising accommodation. Check that it is genuine as scammers may ask for upfront deposits for rooms or property that isn’t actually available.
Email scams can also advertise cheap flights. Before giving personal details and credit card information, check that you are booking with a real travel agent or airline. Also you should be particularly careful with the very cheap flights as they are more likely to be a hoax.
2. Charity Emails
For all of the warm hearted people out there that dedicate the festive season to giving to others, watch out for crafty emails misleading good natured people into donate to fake charities.
These emails can look very real with “official” logos and heart felt content, so remember you must check that they are from legitimate charities. You can do this by researching the charity online, checking if they have an authentic website or by approaching them directly.
3. Online Shopping and Parcel Delivery Emails
With the shopping season under way, cybercriminals know that people are spending their pennies on Christmas gifts. They will be sending out more emails promoting fantastic offers on presents that you won’t be able to resist.
But before you get excited and start clicking on the links in these emails, check that it is a retailer you are familiar with, and if not, Google the retailers name to see if any stories appear in relation to scams.
If you are expecting a Christmas parcel from family or friends, you must watch out for parcel collection scams. Scammers send emails from fake parcel delivery services offering to redeliver a “missing parcel” for a fee and personal details.
4. Christmas e-cards
It fills you with that warm fuzzy feeling to open your inbox and find a jolly Christmas e-card from one of your friends or loved ones.
But not all of them are from people we trust, so it’s always best to check before clicking on the e-card. Scammers may have hidden attachments inside the card containing hidden malware or links scam websites.
5. Weight loss Emails
So the turkey has mysteriously vanished by Boxing Day and after all the month’s different outings and dinners, your trousers are starting to feel a little tight.
But try not to be enticed by email scams offering no effort weight loss in the form of restrictive diets, exercise devices, or weight loss pills. These will just be looking to get your personal details and take your money. Avoid signing up for free trials too in case they try to take money without your knowledge.
