Written by
Reviewed by William Cooper
Christmas is almost here, and many of us will have already started turning to the internet to help us with our holiday shopping. But the holiday season is a prime time for cybercriminals to strike, especially against high-net-worth individuals. Here’s how they do it, and what to watch out for:
1. Phishing attacks during Christmas and fake travel deals
Fraudsters send convincing emails or texts offering luxury holidays at unbeatable prices. Clicking through often leads to malicious sites that steal personal and financial data, sometimes using ransomware. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Social media exploitation
Criminals monitor social platforms to identify when you’re away, increasing the risk of burglary or identity theft. Lock down your social profiles and try to avoid sharing pictures until you’re safely back at home.
3. Gift and charity scams
Seasonal generosity is exploited through fake charity appeals or luxury gift card offers. These scams often involve fraudulent payment links or requests for sensitive information. Make sure the site is legitimate (check for spelling mistakes in the address and use search engines to find proof of legitimacy) before donating any money.
4. Fake luxury listings and auctions
High-end goods advertised online, from watches to art, may be counterfeit or never delivered. Scammers use professional-looking sites and auction platforms to lure victims, so make sure to check the address before you buy, and purchase only from trusted websites.
5. Delivery interception and package theft
Criminals intercept deliveries of expensive items or pose as hauliers to steal packages. Tracking links can also be spoofed to harvest personal details. If you have no secure location at your house for packages to be left, try to arrange delivery to a shop or locker where it will remain safe until you can collect it.
6. Counterfeit products and payment fraud
From designer clothing to tech gadgets, counterfeit goods are rampant during holidays. Fraudsters also use fake payment gateways to capture card details. Again, check the address and use trusted websites to purchase your items.
More practical steps for online fraud prevention
Secure online shopping:
- Use reputable retailers and check for HTTPS in the web address before entering your payment details.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi or unsecure networks and never enter sensitive information if you do use them. If you must, use a VPN for added protection.
- Regularly review your credit card activity to spot suspicious transactions early.
- Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
Secure travel planning:
- Use verified websites or trusted travel agents and avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads.
- Limit exposure by using prepaid cards with capped balances for bookings.
- Update your devices. Ensure your phone, tablet and laptop have the latest security patches before travelling.
The key takeaway from all of this is to stay alert this festive season, and if an online deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted sites and check links before purchasing your gifts, so you have the peace of mind that your items are legitimate and will be delivered safely, ready to be placed under the Christmas tree.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.
Written by Matthew Ashton
I started working in the insurance industry in 2004. Four years later, I left to focus on theological studies, working as a youth worker and then as a ministry director in Seattle, USA. When returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work for the late Andrew Marchington. I joined his firm as a sales advisor when it had around ten staff members. Within three years, I was Head of Ops with a staff team of over 30 people. After a chance encounter in 2019 with Rachel Living and Will Cooper, I co-started Stanhope to build a high-value home, luxury watch, and jewellery broker synonymous with trust. I love being with Donna, my wife, and four kids when not working, cramming in the odd row, or run when I can. I am fortunate to love what I do and consider it a blessing to grow the Stanhope brand.