Holiday season is over but scammers are not giving up. Here are three scams you should be aware of and few simple tips.
Free…
Free stuff is not always the best option. And it’s not about the quality of it but about scams. When you see pop-up windows on your computer screen promising freebies, before you click on it wait a moment and ask yourself few questions:
- is it for real?
- who is offering those freebies?
- do they want my personal information?
- is it really worth it?
Package Delivery Scams
This one is popular too: you might got an email from UPS, FedEx or retailers claiming there’s a tracking update you should check. The email may contain a link they want you to click on for more information. And in some cases there are some files attached to the email as well. Before you click on any link or open the attachment:
- check if you ordered something on-line. Otherwise there’s no reason that you should receive an email like that.
- in most cases you can check the order tracking details from the retailer’s website.
- worst case scenario: if you clicked on the link or opened the attachment in the unsolicited email, you could download malware on your computer or be taken to a fake website that will ask you to provide personal information or financial information
Gift Cards Scams
It seems that scammers like gift cards too. What they do is copy the gift card number (the code on the back of the card) and then they call phone number listed on the card. Why they call that number? To find out if the card has been activated yet and get the balance. Before you purchase the gift card make sure:
- if it’s possible, buy the gift card directly from the cashier
- ask to activate your gift card at the store
- just in case save the receipt
No matter how good something looks give yourself some time to verify it. It’s better to do the quick research first than to be sorry later.