Holiday scams have become common, and hardly anyone fails to get such offers and requests. The people are being attempted to be befooled and duped in the name of charity or offer. Holiday Scams come into our lives in different ways. Let us try to find out how such scams enter people’s lives.
According to CyberGhost, the festive season, on the one hand, brings joy and cheer, but at the same time, it unfortunately attracts scammers who prey on our vulnerabilities and heightened emotions during this time.
The Ways Holiday Scams Come Into Our Lives
The scammers are quick to adapt to the advent of technology. Therefore, use different ways to carry out such scams. Here are some common ways holiday scams come into our lives
1. Online Shopping
Online shopping is one of the most common ways holiday scams come into people’s lives. It includes phishing emails and websites, fake online stores, package delivery scams, and gift card scams. These are the different types of Online shopping scams that, in a way, affect a person’s life.
2. Social Media & Charity Scams
The scammers have been using social media to attract people. Since many people are active on different social media platforms, it is easy to reach a huge chunk of the masses.
Different tactics like fake holiday contests and giveaways where expensive returns are promised in return for sharing personal information or clicking the link. Charity scams are another way of doing the Holiday Scam. Scammers create fake charities or impersonate real charities to solicit donations.
3. Phone and Mail
Another way through which holiday scams come into our lives is robocalls, which are automated phone calls claiming you to have won a prize, thereby illicitly deriving personal information from you.
Phishing emails are yet another way when you are being befolled and scammed. The email seems to have been delivered from a credible source, but it is from the scammers who ask for your personal information to dupe you.
In addition to the above-given methods, Skimming and Fake job offers are some other ways holiday scams come into our lives.
How to Avoid Holiday Scams?
- Be skeptical of any offer that seems to be too good to be true.
- Before you purchase anything, do your research.
- Be careful about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, although they appear to be from a legitimate source.
- Refrain from giving your personal information over the phone or online unless you are sure that you are dealing with a legitimate company.
- Keep checking your credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
- If you face any suspected scam, report it to the authorities.
Conclusion
The rampant occurrence of holiday scams is a matter of great concern, and the way holiday scams come into our lives is quite alarming. There are multiple ways like online shopping, social media, robocalls, phishing emails, and others through which it can hit you. However, the good thing is that it is avoidable if you are a bit mindful while carrying out any activity on your phone.