The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—an increase in phishing scams. With so many of us shopping online for gifts, fraudsters see this as the perfect opportunity to send deceptive messages disguised as legitimate communications from well-known retailers or delivery services. Their goal? To trick you into giving up sensitive personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, or even your identity.
At Perry Sanford Insurance Agency, we care about your security and want to make sure you enjoy a safe, scam-free holiday season. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from phishing attacks during this busy shopping period.
What Are Phishing Scams?
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers send messages that appear to be from trusted companies, such as online stores, banks, or delivery services. These messages often contain urgent requests, like:
- "Your account has been compromised!"
- "We need to verify your delivery address."
- "You've won a gift card!"
They’ll ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, which then leads to a fake website designed to steal your information. Unfortunately, during the holiday season, these scams are even more common because fraudsters know we’re shopping online more than usual.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Holiday Phishing Scams
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Emails and Texts
If you receive an email, text, or social media message that looks suspicious, don’t respond or click on any links. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information through these methods. Instead, contact the company directly by visiting their official website or calling their customer service number.
2. Check the Sender’s Email Address
Scammers often use fake email addresses that are close to the real thing but with small differences. For example, an email might come from “[email protected]” instead of “[email protected].” Always double-check the sender’s email address carefully.
3. Look for Red Flags
Phishing messages are often filled with red flags like poor grammar, generic greetings like "Dear Customer," or urgent requests that push you to act immediately. If something feels off, it probably is.
4. Avoid Clicking on Links
If you receive an email or text message with a link to update your account or verify an order, don't click on it. Instead, go to the company's website directly by typing the URL into your browser. Scammers often create fake websites that look identical to the real thing, hoping you'll enter your details.
5. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Strengthen your online security by using strong, unique passwords for each account. Even better, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This extra layer of security requires you to verify your identity through a second method, like a text message or authentication app.
6. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
Make sure your computer, phone, and other devices are updated regularly. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from the latest threats. Consider using a reputable antivirus program to further safeguard your devices.
7. Verify Suspicious Activity with the Company
If you receive an email claiming there's a problem with an order or payment, don't respond to the email directly. Contact the company through official channels—use the phone number or email address listed on their website—to verify the information.
What to Do If You Fall for a Phishing Scam
If you think you’ve clicked on a phishing link or provided sensitive information, act quickly:
- Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
- Report the phishing attempt to the company or service that was impersonated, as well as to your local authorities or consumer protection agencies.
Protect Yourself This Holiday Season
With so much to think about during the holidays, it’s easy to let your guard down. But by staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
At Perry Sanford Insurance Agency, we take your security seriously. If you have any questions about how to keep your accounts safe or need help safeguarding your personal information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 512-402-8048.
Wishing you a happy, safe, and scam-free holiday season!
Best regards,
The Team at Perry Sanford Insurance Agency
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday season without the worry of falling victim to phishing scams. Stay alert, and if anything looks suspicious, trust your instincts—it's better to be safe than sorry!