Protecting Yourself from Holiday Scams: A 2024 Guide for Everyday Computer Users

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. With the rise of sophisticated phishing tactics and new scam methods, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed. This guide explores common holiday scams and provides tips to help you stay safe online.

The Threat Landscape in 2024

Cybercriminals have become more creative, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfake techniques to craft scams that are harder to detect. For instance, phishing emails now often feature AI-generated text and images that mimic legitimate company branding, down to the smallest details. Additionally, scammers use machine learning to personalize their messages, making them appear more convincing by addressing recipients by name or referencing recent online activities. Deepfake technology is being employed to create fraudulent video or audio messages that convincingly impersonate trusted figures, further enhancing the illusion of authenticity. This year, phishing campaigns have reached new levels of sophistication. For example, email and text message scams—known as phishing and smishing—are frequently disguised as festive greetings or promotional offers. These messages often include malicious links or attachments, such as a fake shipping notification claiming that your package is delayed and requiring you to "click here" to reschedule delivery. Another example might be a promotional email appearing to come from a popular retailer, offering an exclusive holiday deal but redirecting to a site designed to steal your login credentials. QR code fraud has also emerged as a notable threat. Scammers share tampered QR codes that lead users to phishing websites or initiate malware downloads upon scanning.

Website spoofing is another prevalent tactic, with attackers creating fake sites that mimic legitimate retailers or shipping companies. These fraudulent sites often use URLs that are subtly different from the legitimate ones, such as replacing letters with similar-looking characters (e.g., 'amaz0n.com' instead of 'amazon.com'). Additionally, they might contain typos or slight design flaws that careful users might notice. To spot spoofed websites, always check the URL for accuracy, look for HTTPS encryption (a padlock icon), and avoid clicking on links directly from emails or messages—navigate to the site manually instead. These sites can appear so authentic that even experienced users might struggle to identify them as fraudulent.

Notable Scams to Watch Out For

Some specific scams have gained traction this holiday season, employing tactics that are both deceptive and innovative. For example, the “Ticket Heist” campaign exploits the excitement around major events like the 2024 Summer Olympics by using fake ticket-selling websites. These sites often feature realistic designs and even display countdowns or special offers to pressure users into acting quickly. Over 700 fraudulent domains have been created for this purpose, making it increasingly difficult for buyers to distinguish between legitimate and fake sources. Another example involves Black Friday-themed smishing campaigns that target users with texts claiming exclusive discounts. These messages may include links that lead to convincing but malicious websites, designed to steal payment information or install spyware. By understanding the patterns and urgency often embedded in these scams, users can better identify and avoid falling victim to them. The “Ticket Heist” campaign, for instance, exploits the excitement around major events like the 2024 Summer Olympics. Cybercriminals have registered over 700 fake domain names to deceive ticket buyers. Similarly, Black Friday-themed smishing campaigns exploit the shopping frenzy, directing users to malicious sites.

Credential phishing has also taken on creative disguises, such as voicemail notifications or end-of-year leave compliance notices. Cryptocurrency wallet users should be cautious as well, as scammers are targeting them with phishing emails masquerading as updates from Ledger or other wallet providers.

Social Engineering and QR Code Scams

Social engineering tactics remain a favorite tool for scammers. Common strategies include gift card scams, where fraudsters impersonate executives to trick employees into purchasing gift cards. Charity scams are also rampant, leveraging fake organizations to solicit donations. Travel scams offering fake deals and job offer scams that seek personal details are additional threats.

QR code phishing, or "quishing," is an alarming trend. By embedding malicious links in QR codes, scammers bypass traditional email security measures. These codes are often distributed in various ways, such as being printed on flyers or posters, included in emails, or shared on websites. For example, a scammer might leave QR code stickers in public places claiming to offer free holiday deals or discounts, which instead lead to phishing sites or initiate malware downloads. Some advanced attacks even use techniques like QRLJacking, where attackers hijack QR code-based login systems to compromise user accounts. Being aware of these distribution methods can help users stay vigilant. By embedding malicious links in QR codes, scammers bypass traditional email security measures. These codes often lead to phishing sites or initiate downloads of harmful software. Some advanced attacks even use techniques like QRLJacking, where attackers hijack QR code-based login systems.

Staying Safe This Holiday Season

While the threats are numerous, following a few essential practices can significantly reduce your risk:

- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Whether via email, text, or social media, approach unexpected communications with caution, especially if they include links or attachments.

- Verify website authenticity. Before making purchases or entering personal information, ensure the website’s URL is correct and uses HTTPS.

- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Public networks are vulnerable to attacks; use a secure connection when shopping or accessing personal accounts.

- Inspect QR codes carefully. Be wary of scanning codes from unknown sources or those received via email.

- Trust your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. When in doubt, contact the company directly through their official channels.

Further Reading

To learn more about holiday scams and how to protect yourself, check out these resources:

- Holiday Phishing Schemes: What to Watch For

- Black Friday Fraud: Staying Safe

- Cybersecurity Trends for the 2024 Holiday Season

- The Rise of QR Code Phishing

- FBI’s Guide to Avoiding Online Shopping Scams

Stay informed and cautious to make this holiday season safe and scam-free.

If you suspect you may have been a victim of an attack or have possible Malware, Adware, or Spyware installed, help is available. Customers can reach out to:

- MacForce for Apple support and repair. Visit www.macforce.com or call 503-231-7707.

- Launch Technologies for business solutions. Visit www.launchtechgo.com or call 503-446-2622.