Tech Tip Tuesday is written and made possible by Computek who has been providing Georgetown and Austin businesses with fast, reliable and secure IT support and services since 2001. Learn more about Computek on their website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, generosity, and connection, but it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging new technologies and societal trends to trick people out of their money or personal information. Here are the latest holiday scams to be aware of in 2024 and how you can protect yourself.
With advances in AI technology, scammers are now using convincing fake videos or voice calls from “charity representatives.” These AI-powered impersonations often include compelling stories and realistic visuals to pull at your heartstrings.
How to Protect Yourself:
During the holiday rush, cybercriminals set up fraudulent e-commerce websites or social media ads offering “unbeatable” deals. These sites often mimic legitimate retailers but disappear after collecting payments, leaving victims empty-handed.
How to Protect Yourself:
Scammers ramp up phishing campaigns disguised as shipping notifications, holiday e-cards, or exclusive holiday offers. These emails often include malicious links or attachments designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.
How to Protect Yourself:
Gift card scams continue to be a holiday favorite for fraudsters. Criminals may claim you’ve won a gift card or ask you to pay using gift cards for items or services. These scams are common in phishing emails, phone calls, and fake ads.
How to Protect Yourself:
Fraudulent giveaways on social media platforms promise luxury gifts or cash prizes in exchange for personal information, shares, or upfront payments. These scams exploit the holiday spirit of sharing and generosity.
How to Protect Yourself:
With the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, scammers are now targeting donors who want to contribute using crypto. Fake charities may request donations in Bitcoin or Ethereum, often claiming it’s for tax-free, instant transactions.
How to Protect Yourself:
QR codes are increasingly used in marketing and payments, and scammers have capitalized on this trend. Fraudulent QR codes may lead to phishing websites or automatically download malware onto your device.
How to Protect Yourself:
With many families traveling for the holidays, scammers offer fake vacation packages or discounted flights that don’t exist. Victims often realize they’ve been duped only after arriving at the airport or hotel.
How to Protect Yourself:
By staying informed and cautious, you can enjoy the holiday season without falling victim to scams. Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and double-check before taking action. 
If your business needs assistance assessing current cybersecurity measures, call us at 512-869-1155 or visit us online at Computekonline.com to schedule a free cybersecurity assessment!
That’s all for this week, we’ll see you next time for Tech Tip Tuesday!
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