The 12 scams of Christmas 2010

The November 15 publication of the annual "12 scams of Christmas" by software security company McAfee warns consumers against scams such as "smishing," iPads and "too good to be true" holiday jobs.

 

According to McAfee the twelve scams to be aware of over this year's holiday season are:

1. iPad offers
 Apple's iPads are expected to be popular presents this Christmas, but according to McAfee a popular scam involves asking consumers to fill in their credit card details in return for a free iPad, which of course never arrives. This year it seems the safest way of getting an iPad is to pay for it.

2. "Help! I've been robbed"
Texts from friends or family claiming to be in trouble and in need of money can be distressing, but if they come from unknown mobile numbers or the person doesn't call then they are likely to be fake.

3. Fake gift cards
Social media is often used to promote fake gift cards with the aim of stealing customers' bank details. Shoppers should avoid any site that requires them to take a series of quizzes or provide detailed personal information.

4. Holiday jobs
Large amounts of money for working short hours from home may seem ideal, but it is highly probable that offers like this are scams. Applicants to the nonexistent job have to provide personal information such as a social security number and email address which is then used in identity fraud.

5. "Smishing"
"Smishing" refers to the sending of "phishing" messages via text. Phishing messages appear to be from your bank or online retailer and claim there is a problem with the account. Recipients of the message are then asked to provide personal details which are used by the cyber criminals who sent the text.

6. Holiday rentals
Beware rental offers that appear too good to be true and require payment of a deposit on the car or property by credit card or wire transfer.

7. Recession scams
McAfee labs reports an increase in the number of spam emails offering pay-in-advance credit cards and prequalified low interest loans which target consumers looking for extra holiday cash.

8. Malicious greeting cards
E-cards can be used to send holiday greetings to family and friends around the world but cyber criminals also send Christmas greetings containing viruses and malware. Therefore recipients should check that they know the sender before opening the card.

9. Low prices
Websites offering goods at prices far below their competitors are often fronts used by cyber criminals to steal credit card information.

10. Charity scams
Spam emails are often sent out around the holiday period asking shoppers to donate to popular charities. Rather than replying to these emails donations should be made through the official website of the charity concerned.

11. Dangerous downloads
Internet users should be wary of downloading holiday themed screen savers as these are often designed to spread viruses.

12. Holiday airport and Wifi
Internet users should be careful when using unsecured internet connections such as at airports as this provides criminals with the perfect opportunity for cyber theft.