Every year the cyber-criminals seem to get smarter, and we have to beware of cyber-criminals phishing for our information.

McAfee, a leading software and services company, has again provided us with their top twelve scams of Christmas 2010.


12) Hotel and Airport Wifi - beware of wifi networks emulating common networks in public places
11) Dangerous Holiday Downloads - can contain viruses
10) Charity Scams - be wary of phone calls and spam e-mails asking for donations to veterans' charities, and funds for relief of the latest disasters or children's causes
9) Low Price Traps - If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
8) Grinch-like Greetings - e-cards can contain viruses
7) Recession related scams - such as pay-in-advance
6) Suspicious or "last-minute" holiday vacation rentals
5) SMISHING - phishing using SMS text that appear to come from valid companies seeking personal information
4) Holiday Job Offers - that ask you for personal information
3) Fake credit cards - Links to such things as "free COMPANY NAME gift cards that ask for personal information
2) "Help I've been robbed scam" - please send money...
1) iPad Offer Scams - promotional offers offering free iPads, asking you for personal or credit card information.

Links to more information:

2010 McAfee Twelve Scams of Christmas

2009 McAfee Twelve Scams of Christmas

Let's be careful out there!

Chris Smith CSSBB
          Sales Representative

Interested in Buying or Selling Real Estate?

  ph: 1.866.936.3500

Re/Max
Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage

 
This post has been included in Ontario Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Active Toronto
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10 Comments on Twelve Online Scams of Christmas

NOV
30
2010
202,369 Points 1 Featured Post

Thanks for sharing.  With all of the craziness around the holidays, people tend to let their guards down too easily.......................chris
3:04pm • #1
228,807 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

People are so busy during the holidays I can see where they let their guard down like Christopher mentioned.  I never knew this list came out each year - thanks for sharing it.
3:13pm • #2
548,345 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

You are very welcome Christopher, we all need the reminders to be careful

Terry, please share this with your friends... we need to be wary online
3:26pm • #3
1,187,306 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Oh my gosh Chris! The Grinch really is trying to steal Christmas! Thanks for the heads up on this valuable information. We will re-blog this, so all our AR buddies and contacts stay safe this holiday season!
5:51pm • #4
774,333 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Chris, you really can't be too careful these days.  I've had experience with a couple of these scams...Don't Al & Peggy look cute!!
6:20pm • #5
1,133,537 Points 151 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great watchouts.  So sad that people do this, esp at the holidays.  Thx for spreading the word.  I will be more alert now.
7:43pm • #6
1,154,418 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey Chris, this is great information about being aware for scams...thanks for the heads up :)
9:48pm • #7
DEC
01
2010
868,446 Points 5 Featured Posts

Chris,

 

This is a good reminder, thanks for the list.

 

Brian
8:18am • #8
804,827 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Chris - McAfee knows their scams very well.  Airport wi-fi could be a difficult one to identify if one does not read the signs in the airport regarding the details of the wi-fi service.
8:26am • #9
DEC
03
2010
552,339 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Chris,

Thank for reminding us all about these scams.  With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes we forget.

Brigita
11:48am • #10


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