The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions and millions of people, businesses, organizations, and many other entities to use various devices and technologies particularly the internet to accomplish their tasks.
This ever-increasing dependence on technology amid the global public health crisis is referred to as techno-pandemic. This holiday season, which started on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, people from all walks of life are spending a substantial amount of time on the internet. A majority are now doing their Christmas or holiday shopping online.
A record-breaking $189 billion will be spent this 2020 holiday shopping, according to an estimate by Adobe Analytics.
Fraudsters and scammers are also busy devising a scheme to steal money from unsuspecting consumers doing their holiday shopping on various retailers’ websites and online marketplaces like Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN). Be aware that cybercrimes are on the rise and holiday scams are everywhere. Don’t become a victim!
Before you dive into the spirit of this season, be aware of the different ways scammers try to approach, lure, or trick consumers.
Phishing ads and emails
Online shoppers need to be diligent about what gifts they buy and where they buy them from. The scammer counts on catching you unaware. Phishing emails have been around forever. But now, there are phishing pop-up ads to contend with.
