Tis the season to be scammed

WASHINGTON — Every day, internet thieves make millions of attempts to take advantage of consumers online. Banks and other financial institutions warn their customers to be constantly aware of scams. They offer information on their websites and online help for customers who get unsolicited or confusing calls or emails from their banks.

Three of the most common scams used by cybercriminals during the holidays are:

Package Delivery Scams – An estimated three billion packages were shipped last holiday season. Package delivery is an opportunity for cyber-criminals to get your personal financial information.

One scam involves texts or emails that ask the recipient to click on a link or call a representative to update information on a delivery. The sender will ask for confidential financial information or a shipping fee if a consumer clicks the link.

The perpetrators of fraud often create a sense of urgency, so the victim will act without checking that the delivery is authentic.

It is often easy to spot fraudulent texts and emails by misspellings and other errors. The text or email may include the company’s logo or other information. However, if you click on the sender’s return email, you will see an email address not from the company. It might have words, including service, delivery, or part of the company’s name, but it will not be a legitimate address for the company it is claiming to be. Never reply, close out the email, and if it has claimed to be from a company you do business with, call them directly and ask.

One significant danger of clicking on a fraudulent link is it may be designed to infect your phone or computer with malware that enables the cybercriminal to capture your passwords or even take control of your device.

Missed Package Scams

In some cases, cybercriminals will leave notes on doors saying a package could not be delivered. They leave a number to reschedule the delivery, and when the resident calls, they are asked questions to verify their identity.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams usually begin with an email appearing to be from a friend, relative, or employer asking the recipient to buy multiple gift cards. The reasons vary from easily dismissed as false to more plausible stories. Gift card companies recommend that anyone who receives unusual requests to buy gift cards should reach out directly to the individuals they think are asking by phone to confirm the authenticity of the request.

Of course, cybercrime goes on year-round. Ensure you know how to contact your bank to verify suspicious emails or calls. Banks use texting and email to send alerts or other information, including asking a customer to confirm a transaction. However, banks never ask customers to provide personal details or confidential information via text. When in doubt, call your bank directly and ask if they sent the text.

If you receive a text or email from a business or service you do business with, including streaming services (Netflix,) utilities, or investment firms, contact them directly by phone or logging into your online account.

If it looks suspicious or surprisingly urgent, check it out before your click.