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It’s the holiday season, which for the majority of us means vacations, family time, fun, and, for some, the additional joy of a Christmas bonus. Scammers can take advantage of people’s relaxed state and rob them of their money. Scammers are experts at social engineering and know exactly how to take advantage of human weaknesses to continue committing crimes, especially during the holiday season when victims often let their guard down. Do not let them win, here are a few tips to avoid being scammed during the busiest time of the year.
- If you haven’t participated in a lottery, competition, or know the person who is leaving you money, be wary of news that you’ve won or received a sizable inheritance. Anything that seems too good to be true probably is.
- Never give someone your card or banking details. You will never receive a call from your bank asking for your pin code or one-time password.
- Scammers will occasionally ask you to update personal information under the guise of being from a government agency. Give no one who reaches you without your knowledge your personal or financial information.
- In emails, especially those from unknown senders, avoid clicking on the hyperlink.
- If you wish to make a transaction online, enter the name of the bank or business in your browser.
- Shop only from trusted online stores.
- Don’t download software via pop-up windows.
- Set up antivirus software and keep it updated.
- Do not accept help from strangers.
- Avoid using ATM’s at garages or untrustworthy stores.
Never assume you are immune to being scammed, scammers are becoming more sophisticated in order to advance their criminal ways.
Also see: Tips to make sure you December salary makes it to January
