This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube video titled "Beware of The 12 Scams Of Christmas @McAfeeConsumer" (posted December 7, 2012). It is an Eyewitness News consumer alert segment featuring Problem Solver Susan Hogan (and other on-air speakers) warning viewers about holiday online shopping scams—notably Cyber Monday/social media scams, fake e-tailer sites, bogus e-gift cards, mobile-shopping risks (apps sharing personal data and spyware), hacked social accounts, and malicious shortened links. The segment gives consumer tips (download apps from reputable sources, prefer credit cards over debit, check fraud protection) and directs viewers to wpri.com for the full list of the "12 Scams of Christmas."
It's almost becoming a holiday of its own— Cyber Monday— with millions of Americans logging on to find the best holiday deals. But we've learned there's new reason for buyers to beware while bargain hunting online. Problem Solver Susan Hogan joins us now with this Eyewitness News Alert.
Cyber Monday is evolving into social media, but beware, scammers are preying on websites like Facebook and Twitter to cash in. Whether you like a specific brand on Facebook, it's important to use your better judgment and make sure your deal isn't too good to be true. Cyber Monday has now become a tradition of its own, more recently bringing social media into play. You can like virtually anything and sometimes even receive special bargain prices. But be cautious. According to a security software company, this year social media scams rank number 1 in the 12 scams of Christmas.
Bad guys are creating fake e-tailer websites, and these fake sites are designed to get you to enter your credit card information. And often these fake sites revolve around gift cards.
Be careful when clicking or liking posts. Oftentimes your friends' accounts have been hacked and are sending out fake alerts advertising the hottest holiday gifts. And Twitter ads and special discounts utilize blind shortened links, many of which could easily be malicious. Another growing trend is mobile shopping. 1 in 4 shoppers use mobile devices to locate the best deals. That's nearly double last year's number.
This is a huge evolution that we're seeing in the way customers shop. And it's being brought on by mobile devices and all this new technology that we've got.
Beware, 33% of mobile apps are actually sharing personal information. Information you really don't want shared. Like your location, and apps can also infect your device with spyware, so make sure you're only downloading your apps from reputable sources. Another scam to watch out for, fake e-gift cards. Scammers create websites that offer e-gift cards that look real, but when the gift card's delivered, That number is totally bogus. Not only do these scammers now take your money, but they can also have your credit card information. And another tip: if you can, use a credit card for your purchases over a debit card, and check with your credit card company to see if they offer fraud protection. And for the list of the 12 Scams of Christmas, be sure to visit our website, wpri.com. I'm Problem Solver Susan Hogan, Eyewitness News.
