FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — ‘Tis the season for shopping, and scammers are ready to pounce.
“Cyber criminals create these deceptive online marketplaces or online websites for everything from toys or presents,” says former FBI operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill.
O’Neill says from October through December, scammers launch their most profitable campaigns.
Spending on fake online stores and phantom deals are some of the most common ways to fall victim.
O’Neill says only click on sites you know.
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“Never click through from social media,” he said. “Instead, look at the company that reports to be selling it and go directly to their website.”
That advice rings true for the package delivery scams. Save your tracking information rather than clicking on any links sent from unknown senders.
Stressing the importance of patching vulnerabilities through your device’s system updates.
You can also look up the retailer on the Better Business Bureau website.
“Just type in Google the retailer name, the name they’re using, plus scam,” O’Neill said. “If someone’s been hit by them, it’s going to show up.”
Cyber criminals are also known to take advantage of your generosity.
Double-check the spelling of any charitable or crowdfunding pages you’d like to submit a donation to.
“If you want to make sure it’s a real charity, take the name and put it in Charity Navigator or Better Business Bureau Wise Giving,” O’Neill said.
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