The Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI) is cautioning tens of millions of Americans who use popular email services about the potential risk of having their bank accounts drained by scammers.
The holiday season, a time when shoppers hastily spend money to ensure their gifts arrive before the big day, has turned into a prime opportunity for fraudsters aiming to dampen the festive spirit.
As many people opt to skip the hectic crowds at shopping malls, they become more vulnerable to hackers and scammers online, particularly in their email inboxes and on retail websites.
In these virtual spaces, fake websites created using AI technology and deceptive emails can trick individuals into surrendering crucial financial information, leading to scammers emptying their accounts.
The FBI advises millions of email users to exercise increased vigilance during this festive period, specifically highlighting those with Outlook and Gmail accounts. These two services account for the majority (90%) of personal and business email communications, and scammers are targeting these users to maximize their efforts.
The FBI has issued a timely warning: “As you shop this holiday season, beware of deals that seem too good to be true! Scammers are out in full force.”
To prevent the unfortunate scenario of losing funds during the Christmas season, the FBI recommends carefully assessing any request for personal details and verifying the authenticity of websites before making any purchases.
Although it may seem straightforward to avoid scam emails, as many people are aware of the risks of clicking on unexpected attachments, email scams have evolved alongside advancements in fraud awareness and technology. The FBI notes that scammers increasingly use PDFs to deploy viruses on computers.
They also suggest:
Your email inbox is not the only avenue through which fraudsters might try to scam you during the holiday season. One straightforward method they use is to simply request money from unsuspecting victims.
Scammers often establish fake websites and businesses, enticing people to spend money on products they never intend to deliver. To safeguard yourself against such fraud, it’s advisable to use a credit card when shopping online, as this offers some protection against financial loss due to fraudulent activity.
If you’re purchasing from a new business or seller, the FBI recommends verifying the legitimacy of their website by examining the URL. Checking for reviews and feedback is also crucial, as sellers without reviews are more likely to be untrustworthy.
The FBI further advises the public to be cautious about their payment methods, stating that you should “never wire money directly to a seller.”
Additionally, the agency warns against using pre-paid gift cards, explaining: “In these scams, a seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for your payment, the scammer will steal the funds, and you’ll never receive your item.”
For more guidance on safeguarding your purchases this Christmas, visit the FBI’s fraud prevention page.