Image: Santa Claus tapping a smart phone by Matti Mattila is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Let your smile glow brighter than the holiday lights. By staying connected, informed, and following these friendly tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the season’s joys, while keeping those pesky scams at bay.
Spotting common Christmas scams
Here are the top five Christmas scams this year:
1. Fake online stores and websites
Counterfeit e-commerce sites are increasing at an alarming rate. These sites often lure shoppers with high-end products at significantly reduced prices. However, once a purchase is made, the item never arrives, or a counterfeit product is delivered instead.
To avoid this, research the site’s reputation through independent review platforms.
2. Phishing emails and messages
A classic scam involves emails or messages that mimic legitimate companies. One common example is an email disguised as a delivery notification, asking you to click on a link to track your package. This link then leads to a fraudulent website designed to collect your personal and financial information.
Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
3. Social media shopping scams
Scammers are exploiting social media platforms to promote fake products or discounts. They often create fake profiles or hijack existing ones to post fraudulent ads. A common scam involves scammers advertising high-demand products, like gaming consoles, at low prices. Once payment is made, the product is never delivered.
To stay safe, verify the seller’s profile, check for user feedback, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
4. Charity donation frauds
Exploiting the season of giving, scammers set up fake charity websites or send emails soliciting donations for non-existent causes. They often use emotional appeals and high-pressure tactics.
Before donating, verify the charity’s credentials through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, and avoid making donations through wire transfers or cryptocurrencies.
5. Gift card scams
Gift card scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. In one common scenario, scammers pose as representatives from a government agency or a utility company, demanding payment via gift cards. They might also sell fake or already used gift cards online.
Always purchase gift cards directly from reputable retailers and be wary of anyone demanding payments via gift cards.
Tips to stay jolly – stop, think, before you act
Scammers exploit our tendency to overlook minor details, our haste in clicking on links, and our often misplaced belief that ‘it won’t happen to me’.
Scammers bank on the coincidences of everyday life. They prey on the likelihood that at any given moment, many of us are either eagerly anticipating a package delivery or have been considering a purchase. It’s in these moments of expectation or desire that we’re most vulnerable. A cleverly crafted phishing email or a well-timed fraudulent ad can easily trap even the most vigilant among us.
Some top tips include:
1. Double-check sources
Before clicking on any link, especially in emails or text messages, take a moment to verify the source. If in doubt, visit the official website directly by typing the web address (URL) in your browser. If someone on the phone claims to be from an ‘official’ place, double-check by using the numbers listed on their websites.
2. Be aware of current scams
Keeping abreast of the latest scam trends can help you recognise and avoid them. Regularly visiting sites like Scamwatch can provide valuable insights. Use the quick courses on security at BeConnected to learn more.
3. Stay cautious with personal information
Be careful about the amount and nature of personal information you share online. Scammers often piece together information from various sources to create more convincing scams. Don’t overshare personal information like your birthdate, address, or financial details on untrusted websites or social media.
4. Use secure payment methods
Use credit cards or secure online payment services such as PayPal. Credit cards often offer better protection against fraud compared to debit cards.
5. Update security software
Ensure that your computer and smartphone have the latest security software, web browsers, and operating systems.
6. Use strong passwords and 2FA
Use complex passwords – a different one for every site – and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords. Find out more about how to do these at BeConnected
7. Monitor bank transactions
Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions. Better still – check your account transactions online more frequently.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
If you suspect you’ve been caught by a scam, report it immediately to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website.
Contact your bank if you have made any payments to suspicious entities. You can also report the scam to the Australian Cyber Security Centre for further guidance.
Top five scams according to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Consumer Centre. The ADF has a significant role in defending the Australian people from cyber attacks. Article modified from https://adfconsumer.gov.au/christmas-scams-2023/