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FSAfety News - Holiday Season is Phishing Season

The pace of phishing attacks usually rises as the Holidays near – potential victims are distracted and more easily tricked during this busy time. Between shopping, end-of-semester activities, travel and weather worries, computer users are less likely to pay close attention to the snares of the phisherman. Beware of holiday-themed emails and Internet links to sites that:

  • Seek login credentials for legitimate sites (Paypal, your bank, etc.)
  • Warn of a problem with a purchase you may or may not have made
  • Use religious or social themes to solicit money (not all “charities” are really “charities”)
  • Are unfamiliar to you and not vouched for by someone you trust
  • Are unexpected and unsolicited

Investigate before you respond or visit any such website:

  • Did your friends really email that link? – Ask them
  • Check with the vendor directly (don’t use the link in that email – navigate directly to the legitimate website)
  • Check newspapers, TV, and security websites for new schemes
Last updated/reviewed December 4, 2007

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