🎅 Can You Do Me a Quick Favor?
Email impersonation scams are one of the most widely used scams. They start with an email that looks like it comes from someone you know and trust.
The message will usually say something like this:
I’m in a meeting and can't talk right now. I need you to buy some gift cards for a client (or holiday event). Can you send me the numbers on the back of the cards?
No Legitimate person should ever ask you to buy gift cards and email or text the card numbers to them. This scam skyrockets at this time of year when everyone is busy with holiday events and travel.
Gift Card Scams
What to do?
Do not reply to the email
Contact the person directly through a known method - their real email address, a phone number
Report the scam to your email provider
Delete the message
❝If you are ever asked to pay a bill, court fee or traffic ticket with a gift card, it’s a scam!
📱 Text Message Scams
Beware of refunds, prizes or delivery issues sent via text message too. Scammers know we get overwhelmed with text messages these days. Since COVID, we’ve relied more heavily on shipping gifts which can sometimes result in refunds or issues with delivery.
Slow down and see if the text message makes sense. Did you order something? Is the text message asking for additional information over and above an order? Are they looking for additional payment, or address verification?
Scammers will try to trick you into acting quickly with attention-getting messages.
Examples:
“🚨 Urgent: Delivery Will Be Cancelled”
“📦 Package delivery failed—click for a refund or replacement”
“💸 Payment request”
They look real.
They feel urgent.
But they are bait.
Similar to the email scams, report them as junk, delete the text message and follow-up with any legitimate orders using the actual website and not a link.
Loved Ones at Risk?
Older adults are especially at risk for gift card scams. Talk with them about red flags often and use examples from current news articles. Despite our best efforts, someone may get scammed this season.
Here’s what to do if they have been scammed.
Contact the retailer
Save receipts and documentation
Report the fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.FTC.gov
Change passwords that may be at risk
Stay Merry and Bright!
🛍️Gift cards and package deliveries should bring joy, not stress. With a little awareness, you can keep scammers from ruining your holiday.
If you want help reviewing your digital safety habits, please book some time with me.
🎆 The Good News “But whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.” - Proverbs 1:33
Be safe,
