Beware of Sophisticated Online Scams This Holiday Season
Holiday shoppers are warned to be vigilant against sophisticated online scams this season. With consumers expected to spend over $600 on gifts, cybercriminals are targeting digital shoppers, who now account for 55% of all holiday purchases.
Scammers are employing deceptive tactics to trick shoppers into visiting fake websites and donating to bogus charities. They create convincing copies of legitimate sites with slight spelling variations, or use social media to promote too-good-to-be-true offers. To protect yourself, look out for unusual website addresses, inconsistent 'about' content, and misspellings. Google's Safe Browsing tool can help identify safe sites, while the Better Business Bureau provides information on a company's legitimacy and complaint history.
Cybersecurity experts advise using antivirus and malware protection to block access to suspicious sites. Additionally, using a digital wallet instead of storing credit card information can enhance security. Be cautious of any website or charity that seems too good to be true, and always double-check before making a purchase or donation.
As holiday shopping moves increasingly online, it's crucial to stay vigilant against scams. By being aware of common tactics and using available tools, consumers can protect themselves and their hard-earned money this holiday season.
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