Phishing Scams at Christmas - What to Expect
Throughout Christmas, businesses are more likely to fall victim to Phishing attacks. This is because users spend more time online shopping, and often multi-task while browsing, being less cautious than usual. Here's a deep dive into how these scams work, the risks they pose, and how you can protect yourself.
Phishing scams are more common during the festive period for a few reasons. With sales, discounts, and limited-time offers dominating the e-commerce scene during December, users are more likely to click on promotional links and emails. Criminals mimic these offers to trick users into revealing personal information.
The most common of these is the Fake Delivery Notification. Criminals will send emails or texts pretending to be from legitimate delivery services like Royal Mail, Hermes, or DHL. The message will usually claim that there's an issue with a package and provides a link to 'resolve' it. The link will either contain malware or mimic a payment link to part the user with their credentials.
To avoid these tricks, always verify the domain of the sender, and track your packages through the official website or app of the delivery service, rather than through a link.
These scams are effective because they thrive on social engineering - manipulating emotions like excitement, urgency, or FOMO. The festive period can amplify all of these, making users more susceptible. Additionally, the increased volume of legitimate emails during Christmas makes it easier for fraudulent messages to slip through unnoticed.
So how do you spot and avoid phishing scams? Check the sender details and verify the domain name. Hover over the URL to make sure the link matches the sender, and look for poor grammar, generic greetings, and urgent language.
If you do fall victim, make sure to change your passwords quickly, report the scam to your MSP, and tell your bank account provider.
Phishing scams are a persistent threat, but staying informed and cautious can protect you. Remember, if something feels off—whether it’s an email, a deal, or a request—it probably is. Take a moment to pause, verify, and protect yourself. Cybersecurity awareness is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas.
Stay Safe This Christmas
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