A cyber expert has issued an urgent warning about scammers this Christmas using three new schemes to try and fleece innocent victims of their cash.
Online scams can take just seconds to dupe someone out of their hard-earned money by tricking them into handing over personal and financial details.
A cybersecurity boss told The Sun Christmas can be a prime time for hackers to try and trick people when so many of us are going online to shop for gifts.
Darren Guccione, CEO of Keeper Security, told the publication: “As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to exploit the festive rush with sophisticated scams.
“From fake delivery notices to gift card scams, these tactics are designed to capitalise on the chaos and hit your wallet hard.”
To see three common scams, scroll down…
SCAM 1 – FAKE SALES
With the popularity of social media and online shops available on our phones, scammers try and take advantage by using the platform to offer fake sales on goods.
Mr Guccione said: “During the holidays, some scammers will pose as fraudulent sellers who ask for payment in gift cards.
“They may advertise an item at an attractive price on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. After luring you in, the scammer insists that gift cards are the only accepted form of payment.
“Once they receive the codes, however, they disappear, leaving you without the item and out the cost of the cards.”
SCAM 2 – FAMILY FAKES
Incredibly, brazen scammers even stoop as low as pretending to be loved ones this time of year. They often do this by using hijacked accounts and posing as relatives or people you might know.
Mr Guccione said: “Some scammers impersonate people you know, such as family members or friends, asking for money or sensitive information.
“Using social engineering, they exploit emotional triggers and employ a sense of urgency to deceive victims and persuade them to act quickly without thinking.
“Artificial intelligence is making these scams even more believable with voice cloning and deepfakes.”
SCAM 3 – FAKE PRIZES
When an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is, but that doesn’t stop scammers duping some people into thinking they’ve won a big prize. Sadly, the promotion or competition is just another ruse to get our money.
Mr Guccione said: “Beware of social media holiday giveaways promising extravagant prizes like luxury items or vacations.
“While some contests are legitimate, there are a bevy of fake promotions that will be leveraged to collect personal information or small ‘processing’ fees. A good rule of thumb to remember is if a giveaway asks for payment, it’s likely a scam.”
