Somehow, it is that time again. The holiday season is upon us and I have no idea where the year went! If you have been following my blog or anyone else on the McAfee team, you know what that means… the 12 Scams of Christmas!
This year we truly have some new threats out there so I decided that I would highlight each of the scams individually this year over the next few blogs. That way I can break each one down clearly. I want you all to know exactly what these scams look like so you can spot them a mile away!
The 2011 list of scams looks like this:
1. Mobile Malware – Malware targeted specifically at smart phones
2. Malicious Mobile Applications – Apps for your smartphone containing Malware
3. Phony Facebook Promotions and Contests – “Get two free airline tickets!” but give up your personal info first!
4. Scareware and Fake Antivirus – A window pops up on your computer telling you that you have a virus, and you will if you click on it!
5. Holiday Screensavers – Free holiday themed screensavers aren’t so jolly when they contain malicious code! Steer clear of “Fly with Santa in 3-D”!
6. Mac Malware – A new and growing threat
7. Holiday Phishing Scams- Phony notices from UPS, banking phishing scams and Smishing (SMS phishing) all are tricks criminals use hoping that you are too busy to be careful
8. Online Coupon Scams – get a coupon or a “free iPad” but give up your banking or credit card info first!
9. Mystery Shopper Scams – Get paid $50 per hour to shop, but give up that credit card number
10. Hotel “Wrong Transaction” Malware Emails – Email scam looks like it comes from a real hotel and they want to issue a “refund”… after you fill out this form.
11. “It” Gift Scams – Criminals try to cash in on whatever the hot gift of the year is
12. “I’m Away From Home” Scammers – Updating social networks with “I am out of town” could lead to break ins of your home
I will be going into detail over the next three weeks about each of these scams. In the meanwhile follow these tips from McAfee to stay safe this holiday season.
1. Only download mobile apps from official app stores, such as iTunes and the Android Market, and read user reviews before downloading them.
2. Be extra vigilant when reviewing and responding to emails.
3. Watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers on social networks (like free airline tickets). Never agree to reveal your personal information just to participate in a promotion.
4. Don’t accept requests on social networks from people you don’t know in real life. Wait to post pictures and comments about your vacation until you’ve already returned home.
From November 9 – 15, McAfee will be offering a complimentary PDF copy of a just released book on www.facebook.com/mcafee called 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before®… Your Identity Was Stolen, authored by identity theft expert Robert Siciliano. After this time, the book will be available in print, ePub, and PDF and can be found on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, and the Sony eBook Store and http://www.99-series.com/store.html from $5.99-$14.97.
Post your questions below and I will be sure to answer them over the next few posts. Stay safe out there!
By: Tracey Mooney
