Who’s Attacking Lovebirds This Valentine’s?

Couples celebrate their love on February 14^th as this is the most amazing time of the year for them. It’s the time of expressing love by giving gifts /cards and sharing their special feeling to their special someone. However, this week is not only special for lovers but also for cybercriminal. Smart cyber criminals know that generally people will buy gifts / cards using their digital devices to express their love. Hence, they take benefit of this opportunity and set easy traps for unsuspecting shoppers.

If you’re planning to engage in e-commerce and buy gifts online for your special one then you’re a perfect target for these cyber criminals who are just looking for someone like you. It is therefore important to be aware of the cyber scams blooming in the internet during such occasion. Don’t let a cyber-thief ruin your Valentine’s Day celebration.

eScan suggests few safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from Valentine’s Day Scams:

1. Beware of fake shopping web sites: The internet is filled with fake shopping websites, of which you may not have an idea.  You may receive email, messages and posts that may introduce you to some illegitimate shopping web sites offering Valentine’s Day special offers. Once you click on the links mentioned in them, you will be redirected to a phishing website. The look and the feel of this fake website will be so similar to the legitimate shopping website that you may get trapped in the phishing net. And once you initiate transaction on this website, your banking details will reach the cybercriminals. Hence, while shopping online, be cautious and never fall in such traps. Always visit the official web site by typing its URL or address in the Web browser address bar. Always check the domain registration info and always check the contact details on the site. Place an order only if the website is genuine.
2. Buy flowers online scam: Valentine’s Day is the most popular time of the year to buy flowers.  Criminals take advantage of this special day and set up fake online flower shops, promote them all over the Internet and charge innocent consumers who order online, attracted by the low prices. Never forget to visit the official web site and check for its authenticity before placing an order.
3. Extremely Low Priced Deals: Some websites appear to offer fantastic prices and outstanding deals. Unbelievable discounts are given, especially on gadgets such as desktop, digital camera, Smartphones, Laptops and Tablets. Do not respond to it before verifying the truth. This is the best trick that the cyber-criminal uses on an innocent ignorant internet user.
4. Valentine’s Day E-Card: If you receive an e-card from an un-named sender and if there’s any doubt about its authenticity, do not open the e-card or click on any links mentioned in it. Immediately, delete such e-cards without opening or reading them. Clicking on such links may take you to a malicious site and even infect your system.
5. Bogus Gift Cards: Gift cards are mostly promoted through social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking sites. However, many a times these gift cards are deceptive. They claim to offer amazing deals and discounts but are actually fake. Going by the exclusive offers given through these cards, customers fall in the trap. Hence, it is important to first check the authenticity of these cards and then go for it.
6. Romance Scam: Online dating is popular these days and a lot of people use internet to find their soul mate. A romance scam is an artificial romantic intention towards a victim, gaining their affection. The cyber-criminal uses the victim’s goodwill to commit fraud. The fraud may involve getting access to victims’ bank account or credit cards, or by getting the victims to commit financial fraud on their behalf. Be careful of such suspicious sites that promise to give you access to hundreds of potential partners and in return cheat you.
7. Mobile Apps: There are many Valentine’s Day wallpaper apps, most of which are malicious. Unknowingly, people download certain malicious apps without reading the terms and conditions. The malicious software then corrupts your device and affects its performance. Be careful and never install the app without actually reading the fine print.
8. Contests Scam: On such special occasions many of us may have a dream of winning grand prizes or large sum of money in a contest. Cybercriminals take advantage of this and come up with fake contests to trap you. They send emails and encourage you to be a part of the contest. These scammers will go through the same motions as though it were real. After few days they will announce that you’re a winner and to get the price you need to give your account information or personal details. Be aware of such fake contests.

eScan wishes you a safe and special Valentine’s Day.

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