Scammers are ramping up to ruin your holidays with what they do best – scam you! But, we won’t let that happen. That’s exactly why we have come up with the top tech scams you need to watch out for this holiday season.

In this post, not only have we compiled the list of some of the popular tech frauds but we have also discussed ways in which you can stay out of harm’s way –

Common Tech Scams And What You Can Do To Keep

Scam No. 1 – Apple ID Suspended False Email

One of the classic ways in which scammers scam unsuspecting users is by creating a sense of urgency. The latest “Apple ID suspended” is a great example of this. The emails claim that they’ll suspend your Apple ID account due to outdated information or suspicious activity. And, the moment a user clicks on the link sent in the email, the hacker on the other side can steal your personal information and login credentials.

What Can You Do?

• As stated by Apple Support, promptly forward the suspicious email to reportphishing@apple.com
• An easy way to spot fake phishing mail is to check the domain it is coming from. This would obviously not be Apple’s official email but something else, for example, uaepass.ae
• Don’t click on any link given in the phishing email.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on your accounts.
• If you have fallen for the bait, immediately change your Apple account password with something stronger.

Scam No. 2 – Fake Websites Posing As Popular Retailers

Driving visitors to fake websites is yet another way tech scams are orchestrated. And, in this age of AI, scammers with little know-how can easily code a website mimicking a popular retailer.  And, there are multiple ways you can be robbed of your money or precious information as you visit these websites. For instance, you might furnish your bank details, expose your personal details, or other information.

What You Can Do?

• Use an identity theft protection and monitoring service like Identity Guard. It promptly alerts you if your identity, SSN, credit, or any such information is compromised. It also offers insurance for identity theft.
• Always look at the URL of the website and see if something’s off. It could be a wrong spelling, something off on the URL, no https, etc.
• Always visit the official website of a retailer to make purchases.
• Look for trust badges or certifications.

Scam No. 3 – Gift Card Scams

Online (or even offline) scams are being carried out by using sneaky gift card schemes in ways more than one. One of the tricks is how scammers contact you by text, phone, email, or social media and create an emergency or fake story. In the name of sending money, they instead ask you to buy gift cards, and also send them the photo of the card or other card details such as the numbers on that card. Once they have what they wish for, they rob you off your money and ghost you.

What Can You Do To Stay Safe?

• Verify the identity of the person calling you, texting you, or sending you messages on social media.
• Don’t give in to their “urgency-creating” tactics such as emotional blackmails, threats, etc. Remember no legitimate company will ask you to pay up via gift cards.
• Don’t share your gift card information or personal details with someone you don’t trust.
• Use secure payment methods/ platforms.

Scam No. 4 – AI-Based Scams

We recently talked about how scammers are leveraging AI to dupe customers, especially during the holiday season when many shoppers are hyped up to grab Black Friday deals. Take, for instance, phishing scams or phishing emails wherein a scammer may bombard you with fake emails stating that you missed a huge discount. Or, you may come across an email from a legit retailer offering discounts, that may sound too good to be true. These emails, in most cases, include a link that’ll drive you to a website where you’ll be asked to fill in your personal details or bank details.

What Can You Do To Stay Safe?

• Ensure to purchase from verified retailers only.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links, no matter the urgency.
• Use secure payment methods.
• Research reviews for deals.

Scam No. 5 – Charity Scams

There’s nothing bad in feeling generous and donating to those in need. But, if your generosity lacks caution, you might fall bait to fraud. Scammers often resort to tactics like setting up fake websites with convincing stories, stolen logos, and professional-looking graphics. Donors sometimes fall for these and end up getting scammed. In another instance, a scammer may exploit a recent tragic news, and pressure you into donating right away.

What Can You Do?

• Don’t spend your money just when it is asked. Instead research about the organization, by checking if the organization is actually legit. Also, if there’s a channel validating that you received a call from them.
• If you are sure that the organization is genuine, try and donate directly on their official website.

Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Festivities

A little caution is what it’ll take to thwart any scams. You’ll indeed be saving yourself, your friends, and your loved ones from being robbed of not just money but happiness as well. No matter what you do – purchase or donate, always verify the sources. Do share this post with others and spread awareness among friends. For more such content, keep reading Tweak Library.