Holiday scam awareness: Stay cyber safe this holiday break | IT Security | Seneca Students

As the holiday season approaches, online shopping and package deliveries surge—and so do scams. Cybercriminals take advantage of the rush with fake websites, fraudulent messages, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Use this quick guide to stay safe before the holiday break.

Stay alert, shop smart, and enjoy a safe holiday season!

 1.  Watch for “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers push unrealistic discounts, limited-time offers, and fake “back-in-stock” alerts.
If the price or urgency seems suspicious, assume it's a scam until verified.

 2.  Double-Check the URL

Fraudulent websites often mimic real ones, look for:

• Misspellings (e.g., walmarrt, bestbu-y)
• Odd domains (e.g., amaz0n.deals, .shop, .info)
• Links sent from unsolicited texts or emails

Tip: Type the official URL manually or use bookmarks.

 3.  Don’t Click on Package or Order Links

Fake delivery notices spike during the holidays:

• “Your package is delayed—click to verify”
• “Confirm payment information”
• “Your order needs attention”

Tip:  Go directly to the official website/app instead of tapping the link.

 4.  Recognize Payment Scams.

These are always scams:

• Requests for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
• Urgent “pay now” threats
• Overpayment scams or “refund the difference” requests

Tip: No legitimate business or government agency uses these methods.

 5.  Shop Safely Online

• Use a credit card, not a debit card—credit offers better fraud protection
• Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) and PassKeys where possible. Never share accounts
• Avoid entering payment info on public Wi-Fi

 6.  Verify Using Official Channels

If something feels off:

• Visit the official website yourself
• Call the company using verified contact details
• Delete suspicious messages without interacting

Tip: Trust your instincts—pausing for 10 seconds can prevent major fraud.

 7.  Report suspicious emails or calls

• If you receive suspicious emails in your Seneca inbox, use the Report Phish button
• Personal email report them using their built-in spam or fraud tools
• Report suspicious calls or text messages in your messaging apps

Tip: Don’t reply or provide information if you don’t know who you are interacting with!