All iPhone and Android users warned over notifications that will get you scammed this Christmas and how to avoid them
WHETHER you use and Android or and iPhone, it’s worth watching out for scam notifications this Christmas.
They may come in the form of a text, email, or call and they’re all out to take your money.
DELIVERY SCAMS
A lot of us are expecting deliveries around Christmas and scammers rely on this to try and trick you.
If you get a notification about a package, double check it’s legitimate and for something you ordered.
According to security experts at Trend Micro, a recent USPS delivery scam has been spotted.
It claims there has been an issue with a package delivery and encourages recipients to click on a link.
The link takes you to a website that asks for personal information.
There is no package and the cybercriminals will steal the details you give them.
Watch out for this scam and others just like it as criminals hope you’ll panic in the build up to the holidays and give information away without thinking.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE DEALS
In the run up to Christmas and even afterward, scammers take advantage of our desire to get gifts at a bargain price.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Don’t trust dodgey websites, suspicious social media adverts, or random emails promising a great deal.
This especially applies to sought after items that everyone is trying to buy this Christmas.
It’s best to head directly to a brand’s website and check for yourself whether the deal is legitimate.
SCAM HOLIDAY APPS
The Better Business Bureau has released a warning regarding scam holiday apps.
It said: “Apple’s App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their holiday wish lists.
“Review privacy policies to see what information will be collected.”
The BBB advises researching the app and what permissions it will access on your device before you download it.
It warned that some free apps contain malware so it’s always worth double checking their legitimacy.