It is a ALERT for internet users to stay aware of seasonal greetings scams and cyber campaigns, which may include:
- electronic greeting cards that may contain malware
- requests for charitable contributions that may be phishing scams and may originate from illegitimate sources claiming to be charities
- screensavers or other forms of media that may contain malware
- credit card applications that may be phishing scams or identity theft attempts
- online shopping advertisements that may be phishing scams or identity theft attempts from bogus retailers
- shipping notifications that may be phishing scams or may contain malware
Internet users and administrators to use caution when encountering these types of email messages and take the following preventative measures to protect themselves from phishing scams and malware campaigns:
- Refer to the Shopping Safely Online Cyber Security.
- Do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages.
- Use caution when opening email attachments.
- Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
- Review the Federal Trade Commission's Charity Checklist.
- Verify charity authenticity through a trusted contact number.
- Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf).
- Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks Cyber Security.
- Refer to the Holiday Traveling with Personal Internet-Enabled Devices Cyber Security.
