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!
RE/MAX Associates - Hockessin, DE
Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
Thanks for sharing. With all of the craziness around the holidays, people tend to let their guards down too easily.......................chris
Nov 30, 2010 07:04 AM
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL
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.
Nov 30, 2010 07:13 AM
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta
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
Nov 30, 2010 07:26 AM
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!
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!
Nov 30, 2010 09:51 AM
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource
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!!
Nov 30, 2010 10:20 AM
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers
Great watchouts. So sad that people do this, esp at the holidays. Thx for spreading the word. I will be more alert now.
Nov 30, 2010 11:43 AM
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Hey Chris, this is great information about being aware for scams...thanks for the heads up :)
Nov 30, 2010 01:48 PM
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker
Toronto, ON
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.
Dec 01, 2010 12:26 AM
Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd. - Lehigh Valley, PA
The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
Chris,
Thank for reminding us all about these scams. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes we forget.
Brigita
Dec 03, 2010 03:48 AM
Rainmaker
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Chris Smith
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