With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to be extra vigilant. Reports from Bitdefender Lab indicate a sharp rise in seasonal scams, with France in particular being a hot spot.
A Spike in Seasonal Scams
As the holiday season approaches, it’s not just the spirit of giving that’s on the rise. Scams, particularly those themed around the holidays, have seen a significant rise since December 5. In fact, between November 13 and December 12, 2023, a whopping 30% of unwanted holiday-themed messages were identified as scams.
Where are these Scams Coming From?
When it comes to the origin of these fraudulent activities, the USA tops the list with 32% of holiday spams originating from American IP addresses. France and China follow, accounting for 18% and 13% of the holiday scams respectively.
Big Brands Impersonated
Beware of the brand names you trust. Scammers often disguise themselves as reputable companies such as Carrefour, Kadéos, Louis Vuitton, and Alibaba in their phishing attacks. They mimic these brands in spam emails, hoping to trick the unsuspecting recipients.
Scam Tactics
Among the various tactics employed by scammers, some stand out due to their frequency. These include fake gift cards, special offers, and lottery prizes. The ultimate goal? To steal your personal and banking information.
Scam Emails
Fraudulent emails commonly mimic orders of gift checks and cards, or surveys offering gifts. Others may include links to fake sales and special offers. Alarmingly, these scams often appear remarkably credible, increasing the chance of recipients falling victim.
Staying Safe
With the increase in these seasonal scams, online safety should be a top priority. If you have any doubts about the validity of an email or offer, it’s recommended to communicate with the company via their official channels. Be cautious in your online navigation, and remember that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
