During the holidays, it’s extra important to be aware of email scams as you’re sending and receiving your holiday gifts and packages. One of the more common scams during this season are the fake delivery notices that you have a package waiting. Consumers are once again reporting this scam at an alarming rate so we wanted to help you be aware of what it is and what it looks like

What Does This Email Scam Look Like?

The scam works like this: An email is sent by the scammers with the subject line reading something like “Delivery Failure From USPS.” There will be a link to click on to find out why your package wasn’t able to be delivered. As soon as you click on that link, you’ve opened up your computer for the virus. Some of the lingo used might look something like this:

USPS.com

You have a package that your postman was unable to deliver.

Please print the label provided to you through this link and take it to your nearest post office to retrieve your package.

NEVER CLICK ON THE LINK!

Clicking on links associated with these email scams can open up a host of issues. The biggest risk is downloading a virus to your hard drive. This allows your sensitive information to become exposed and easily stolen. Scammers would have access to your passwords, credit card info and other financial data.

Often, malicious ransomware and malware infect your computer without you ever even knowing it. Once you attempt to sign into various accounts online, the email scammers will use a mirroring program to record your actions and they will use that to steal every bit of personal information they can get their hands on.

It isn’t just the post office dealing with these scams—UPS and FedEx also have fallen prey to hackers and scammers. The scary part is the scammers will use official looking logos and websites to make themselves look legit. You will receive notices that look completely official from the shipping companies, making it hard to know when you are dealing with an email scam.

Protecting Yourself

Stay aware! If you get emails that you don’t think you should be getting from either the post office or a major shipping company, do not click links within that email! Even though you may be waiting on a package, it’s better to deal with the company directly, rather than risking a virus by clicking on a link.

Be on the lookout for any phone calls claiming to be employees of any of these agencies. If you are called and asked for sensitive information, never provide that info until you know for sure who you are dealing with!

Look for obvious errors in grammar and spelling on any emails or other communication. It’s usually a dead give-away that you’re dealing with an email scammer.

Never answer texts you aren’t sure about. This, too, can open you up for email scams.

You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal information this holiday season! It’s ok to be suspicious of any text, email or phone call that you aren’t sure about. If you are expecting a package, always deal directly with the shipping company!

For more information on how to protect yourself from email scammers during the holidays, call us today at Tech Sentries! Our number is 843-282-2222.

Remember “Think Before You Click!”

A woman visiting a Myrtle Beach resort recently report a scam in which her credit card was charged close to $2,000 – in California!

The scam is neither new nor localized. In 2015 a Memphis hotel guest fell for the same scam and soon discovered $1,000 in unauthorized charges on his card.

Information, Please

The scam is simple. The scammer calls the hotel room and identifies themselves as “so and so and the front desk.” He or she goes on to explain that the hotel’s credit card system has crashed or that there was a minor problem with their credit card when they registered. All they need is to read your credit card information to them again over the phone.

The problem is that the call did not originate at the front desk. In fact, it could originate from nearly anywhere, as long as the caller sounds sincere.

Don’t Think You’d Fall for That? Think Again.

What if you were doing research on the internet and a window pops up on a website indicating that the information you want is a “secure file” or “protected document?” It’s not a problem. All you need to do is provide the requested personal information and you will be given access to the file.

Same scam. Different playground. Fooled you! Whether it is done on the phone or on the internet, the scammers are phishing, and you have taken the bait, hook, line, and sinker.

Be Smarter Than the Scammers

A simple rule: Never give out your personal information. The tighter you hold onto it, the less likely it is to be stolen.

A simple question: Was your information really stolen? Or, did you voluntarily give it away.

A simple strategy: THINK before you give out your personal information. It’s nice to be nice and cooperative, but it’s stupid to be stupid and cooperative.

A simple precaution: If you receive an email that asks you to view a secure or protected document by clicking a link, delete the email. Do not open. Do not pass Go. Do not lose $200.00 (or more).

For more information, please call Tech Sentries at 843-282-2222.