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Don’t Get Grinched! Top Holiday Scams You Need to Know.
Safely past Thanksgiving, they’re out there waiting. Right now, the scammers are looking to ruin this holiday season of gifting for their own benefit. Whether online or in person, these greedy grinches are after what they can grab using tried and tested methods. AI is also helping scammers appear more legitimate. Some of the top scams are listed below to help you have a scam-free holiday season.
Phony Shipping Notices
Whether you’re expecting a delivery or not, scammers will alert you via phone, email, or text there’s a package on the way or you missed a delivery. They’ll claim to be from FedEx, the post office, or other package delivery service sending you a link to track the fake delivery. The links lead to a spoofed website or they can download malware. Some ask for a credit card number or other PII for the bogus delivery.
TIPS: Don’t click on any links and go to the true delivery service or merchant website to see if there’s really a package delivery needing your help. Don’t provide your PII or payment information when asked, it’s a sign something isn’t quite right.
Missing Packages
Porch Pirates are out in full force looking for package deliveries left on doorsteps and other obvious places. They love driving around neighborhoods looking for unattended deliveries. It’s free stuff for these grinch-pirates but it’s a headache for you when you’re not at home. Getting stolen merchandise replaced or refunded can take time you don’t have for the gift-giving season.
TIPS: Instruct deliveries to a side or back door when possible or send to a friend or neighbor you know will be home. Home security cameras catch Porch Pirates in the act for law enforcement. Package tracking using the legitimate delivery service website can help with delivery days and times to be on the lookout. Use delivery options like Amazon’s Key or Hub Lockers or pick up the item from the merchant when possible.
Fake Order Notices
Emails arrive about a purchase you’ve made from a retailer or third-party payment like PayPal, to verify your order. The purchase amount is enough to make you panic, and you’ll want to resolve the matter quickly. The email includes a link or phone number to dispute the order, and scammers know you’ll likely follow it. The link can go to a spoofed website to steal your PII, or it will outright ask for your payment card and login information so the scammer can go a shopping spree.
TIPS: Don’t follow links or provide sensitive information. Instead, go directly to the merchant’s true website and make inquiries from there. Check your payment card for unauthorized charges. If there isn’t anything in either of those locations, it’s likely a scam.
Sob-sters & Fake Relatives
Appeals for donations including with GoFundMe can be bogus, so if you’re giving this holiday season, stick with well-known or local charities. Calls from a family member asking for a money wire to get out of jail, for instance, call a family member to confirm it’s legit. Emails with similar scenarios, especially asking for money via gift cards, is the sign of a true scam.
TIPS: Call and verify! Contact the recipient of the donation. For family—call another family member to verify the story before sending a dime.
Content provided by Stickley on Security.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1
Is Your Phone Safe for the Gate?
Simple Tips to Stop Data Theft While Traveling
Before your next flight, take this crucial step to safeguard your finances. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning about “juice jacking,” where hackers install malware on public USB charging ports in airports and other travel hubs.
What’s Happening
Plugging your phone or device directly into these ports can compromise your sensitive data, including banking information and passwords.
Here’s how to protect yourself
Bring Your Own Power: Always travel with a fully charged, TSA-compliant battery pack (power brick) so you don’t need to rely on public charging stations.
Use Charging-Only Cables: If you must use a public USB port, use a charging-only cable. These cables allow power to flow but block any data transfer, keeping your information safe.
Be Cautious with Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to free public Wi-Fi networks, especially if you plan to make purchases or access sensitive accounts. Hackers often exploit unsecured networks to steal personal information.
Protect your journey and your savings by taking these simple precautions every time you travel. For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1.
Is Ghost Tapping Haunting You?
A new scam is quietly tapping into your convenience and turning it against you. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a trick called “ghost tapping,” which exploits the tap-to-pay feature on cards and mobile wallets. Fraudsters use the cards near field technology to get close in crowded spots like festivals or transit hub’s and use wireless devices or fake payment terminals to charge you—sometimes before you even realize what’s happening.
How it works
Here’s how it works: A scammer may pose as a vendor or charity and ask you to “just tap” your card or phone to pay. Of course, you do just that—and either the amount is much bigger than displayed or a small charge “tests” your card and goes unnoticed until damage is done.
Because the scam is fast and uses contactless tech, you may never see the malicious device or realize your money is gone until your account shows odd activity days later.
Avoid Being a Victim
To avoid being a victim, start by staying alert in busy public settings. Before tapping, always check the merchant name and total on the terminal, and don’t let someone rush you. Consider using an RFID-blocking carrier or sleeve to interfere with wireless reading devices. Set up instant alerts for every transaction so you’ll catch unauthorized charges quickly. If you’re unsure or the vendor looks questionable, opt to swipe or insert your card instead of tapping.
Finally, review your statements often—and if you spot something odd, contact your financial institution or card issuer immediately. It’s also a good idea to report the incident to the BBB using the organization’s Scam Tracker tool.
This isn’t just a clever scam—it preys on trust, distraction and the very convenience you rely on. Stay sharp, keep your tap-to-pay in check, and don’t hand your security over to a ghost.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1.
Content provided by Stickley on Security.