Don't get loose! Holiday scams are still circulating on the web
By Gina on December 21, 2011 | Security basics, top 7 Christmas scams, scam email letters, mobile malware, malicious mobile applications, rogue holidayscreen savers, holiday phishing scam
Even if Christmas is the most waited holiday of the year, it is also the most scammed feast. Nowadays it comes with a huge range of various risks ranging from hoax online stores to fake, virus-filled emails.
Here are the top 7 Christmas scams:
1. Mobile malware. Firstly, you should be careful of mobile malware scams that are spreading and targeting Android devices.
2. Malicious mobile applications. Sometimes you have apps on your mobile OS that should help you to know about holiday deals. However, not all of them are helping, instead they're transferring your personal data. So. you need to be careful about applications you get on your mobile.
3. Rogue Facebook promotions and contests. Cyber criminals are also using Facebook for their malicious intentions. They are spreading their malicious activities via phone by promoting their promotions and contests. Do not be fooled by those rogue offers and do not follow any steps you are asked for.
4. Scareware. Malware come unnoticed and without user's knowledge, so you have to be aware of scarewares and make sure your computer is protected with up-to-date security software.
5. Holiday screen savers. It is popular that cyber criminals spread malware in Christmas-themed screen savers. Those usually bring executable file within, so, you need to be very careful about all offers you get on holidays.
6. Holiday phishing scams. Hackers are sending phony email letters with various Christmas offers that requires to click on a link within the message or open an attachment. However, if you are not expecting for such letters, do not open any attached file or don't click on the provided link it is probably malicious.
7. Online shopping scams. When shopping online, be smart about the whole buying process, make sure you are dealing with a legitimate online stores. Make sure that your account and credit card information are being dealt with safely.
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