Beware 12 Scams of Christmas

Online schemes take advantage of the holiday spirit
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 21, 2009 3:12 PM CST
Beware 12 Scams of Christmas
Online scammers will be out in force over the holiday season.   (Shutter Stock)

The holiday season brings out the best in online scammers. CNET runs down common schemes to beware of, courtesy of McAfee:

  • Fake delivery invoices: They look like legit emails from UPS, Federal Express, and the like, asking for address confirmation and credit card info to ensure delivery.
  • Holiday e-cards: Make sure you know the site before opening. This is a great way to get malware and all manners of unwanted advertising.
  • Charity phishing: Again, appearances are deceiving, even if the email looks like it's from a real charity.

  • Fake friend requests: If these come by email, steer clear. Best to friend someone directly on Facebook or whatever service you're using.
  • Christmas carols: Or at least, searching for them. Scammers create fake sites to lure people looking for holiday music or related media.
  • Luxury jewelry offers: Follow that wise old adage: If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Even if the site sports a real-looking Better Business Bureau logo.
For the full list, click here.
(More phishing stories.)

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