The Top 12 Holiday Scams to Avoid This Season
December 4, 2020
The web is simply plagued with scams and crooks looking to grab anything they can get from someone else. It is always a good idea to be diligent when using any electronics, online shopping, or surfing the web. Here are a few tips to help as we head into a brand new year:
1.) Keep all of your devices up to date. This basic security measure lessens your chances of becoming a victim. Make sure to run all updates on your phone, your computer, your apps, etc and keep them up-to-date.
2.) Only connect to known safe WiFi networks. Try not to connect to open public networks at all unless it is an emergency. Be very wary of network names that have typos, extra characters, or a long string of numbers.
3.) Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. You should also change your passwords regularly. Never re-use old passwords. If you need help putting together strong passwords read our article on that HERE.
4.) Be safe on social media. Honestly, if you can get off of social media, do so. Facebook in particular is incredibly malicious. If you cannot disconnect, make sure to take a moment to review and revise your privacy and security settings.
5.) Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card accounts. Be sure to keep a close eye on bank and credit card statements. Also, monitor your credit report regularly.
6.) Be wary of travel change messages. Always use official channels to stay updated when you are traveling. This one is particularly popular during the holidays but these scams do happen all year round.
7.) Be wary of party invitations or announcements with links or ones that request information from you. Your friends and family all know who you are so if you get an e-Card or e-Invitation that makes you give away your personal information to simply view the card, it is a scam.
8.) During travel security checks, or when charging a device, always keep your devices in view. Never let someone you do not know personally take a computer or cell phone away from you and out of your site.
9.) Stay away from strange shopping sites. Stick to ones that you know and trust. It is cheap and easy to setup a fake website or web store. If a deal seems too good to be true – it really is.
10.) Nothing is ever free. We very wary of any ads, giveaways, or contests that seem too good to be true. They are. You will never be given money by a celebrity. No large corporation is going to send you a new car or TV or anything like that if you share a post or like a post or tag a friend in said post. There are no free gift cards. There are no freebees out there waiting for you. Also, if you use those shopping add-ons (like Honey), uninstall that and delete your account. The handful of change you receive in exchange for your personal data and shopping habits is not worth it.
Be safe, happy holidays, and happy new year from your TeCHS.
We hope 2021 is wonderful for all.
