Spotlight: Holiday Scams
Tis’ the season! As the holidays are approaching, be on the lookout for the latest holiday scams. Fraudsters use the holiday season as an opportunity to scam people by creating fake charities and asking for donations. They also may attempt to collect your personal information. During this time, fraudsters utilize fraudulent text messages or emails with links claiming you have a special delivery, a package could not be delivered, or a fraudulent tracking number. You should not click on these links. Fraudsters also target online shoppers and sellers using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.
Things to remember during the holidays:
- Don’t click the link if the text or email is from a person or business, you do not know.
- Do not give out your personal information.
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers.
- Only shop from reputable websites.
Trending: Phishing Scams
Fraudsters try to scam people by sending fraudulent text messages or emails impersonating a legitimate company such as a financial institution or tech support company. These messages may ask you to contact the provided phone number which can then lead to an attempt to collect your personal information or access to your device. If you receive a suspicious text or email that you weren’t expecting, do not click the link or call the phone number provided.
Tips to protect yourself from a phishing scam:
- Keep your devices up to date with security software.
- Do not respond to pop ups on your computer impersonating a tech support company.
- Do not allow someone access to your personal device.
- Don’t share your personal information.
Trending: Call Spoofing
Spoofing is when a fraudster disguises their phone number as a phone number from a legitimate company or government agency. The fraudster manipulates you to believe that you’re speaking to a legitimate person that works for the company. The fraudster will attempt to collect your personal information to try to steal your identity, money and engage in fraudulent activity. They often will stress a sense of urgency in an attempt to get you to act faster.
How to protect yourself from spoof calls:
- Never give out personal information. A company or government agency wouldn’t call you to ask for your personal information.
- If the call you receive seems questionable, hang up and call the company or agency back using a legitimate phone number from their website.
- Report any suspicious calls you receive to the company or agency.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact our Customer Care Center immediately at (617) 969-4300 and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.