Just say NO to holiday scammers!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…for scammers. Don’t get caught.

If you’re careful, you can avoid this con, but some of these fake websites are really convincing. The idea is to get you to place an order and hand over your credit card information. Your order will never be fulfilled, and your credit card information will be in the hands of the scammers.

Before you buy, look carefully at the URL --- the internet address --- of the website you’re visiting. You’ll find the URL at the top of your browser window. Make sure it’s the real site and not one that’s spelled almost the same way. When you get to the ordering page, make sure that URL contains “https://” instead of just the regular “http://” The extra “s” tells you the transaction will be secure.

This one is a new one on me, and I still don’t quite get it, but apparently thieves steal just the bar codes and activation codes (by scratching cards in the store), learn when cards are activated, and drain the account before the legitimate recipient has a chance to spend any of the money. Wow.

The Better Business Bureau lists several ways to protect yourself:

• Ask for a card from behind the counter rather than selecting one from a rack.
• If you buy a card from a rack, examine the back of it to make sure the activation code hasn’t been revealed.
• Buy from a reputable retailer and keep the receipt.

I would add to this list: Don’t activate a card until you’re ready to use it!

Besides the shiny holiday scams, there are the usual ones. Don’t fall for these:

Fake package delivery scam

You might receive an email claiming there is a problem delivering a package to you. It might even have a DHL or FedEx or UPS logo. Maybe it purports to be from Costco or Amazon. The email includes an attachment which is supposed to help you resolve this issue. DO NOT CLICK ON THE ATTACHMENT! It most likely contains malicious software that will infect your computer.

Take another look at the email. Is it addressed to you or to “undisclosed recipients”? Does it contain any misspellings or major grammatical errors? If the email is supposed to be from Canada Post, how many official languages does it use?

If it still seems like it could be legit, pick up the phone and contact the shipping company directly. Don’t download attachments and don’t click on any link in the email. If you ARE expecting a shipment, use the carrier’s actual site to track the package, or use PackageTrackr: https://www.packagetrackr.com.
 

Fake Microsoft Technician

Yes, still out there. See this previous column: http://rlis.com/columns/column378.htm. And now there is a new twist where you search on some computer-related problem and go to a site that looks like a real tech support site. But it’s the same guys, only this time you are calling them, and the result is the same.
 

Facebook Privacy

You still can’t change your Facebook Privacy settings by copying and pasting (or “Sharing”) a declaration. Really. You just can’t: http://www.snopes.com/computer/facebook/privacy.asp Stop doing that.

You CAN control your Facebook Privacy Settings, and it’s easier now than ever before. See this previous column: http://rlis.com/columns/column483.htm.

 

Unfortunately, there are many more scams and scammers out there. As with preventing malware attacks on your computer, the first line of defence is common sense. So back away from the cappuccino machine, take a deep breath and slow down. Do a reality check on every deal and every website and every email. Stay safe!

 

Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or business computer get along!

Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna (http://computercarekelowna.com/) a mobile service helping home users and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and suggestions. Send email to [email protected].

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This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.