Good Lifestyle

Right now, many of us rush while trying to order last minute gifts online and nervously Follow -up packages To make sure they arrive on time. Unfortunately, the crooks are more than ready to enjoy the seasoned and stressful holiday season. In its December 14 postal bulletin , the American postal service (USPS) has sent a new alert to warn us of paying attention to holiday scams.

"Online scams continue to build a threat to cybersecurity. Cybercriminals use websites like Amazon, Target and Bank of America to encourage us to click on malicious content," said the agency in its alert. "Thanks to tactics such as phishing (e-mail), visiting (voicemail) and SMIRs (text messaging), crooks use these brands to manipulate consumers in sharing their personal information." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

But you don't have to spend the whole winter to worry about being scammed if you make sure to follow certain precautions. This is why the postal service shared several tips to help customers "avoid being the victim of online scams" during the holidays. Read the rest to discover the three steps that the USPS says you need to take to stay safe, as well as the types of scams that you should monitor at the moment.

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In the rush before Christmas, you might be tempted to act quickly if you receive a text or an email which indicates that there is a problem with your delivery, especially if it seems to come from the USPS.

But the agency reminds customers to "slow down" instead, because the crooks often count that the victims do not take the time to notice that something is disabled.

"Beware of urgent messaging and asks to act quickly," said the USPS.

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Schools also seek to enjoy the nature of people during the holiday season. This is why the next step to stay safe is to "check", according to the USPS.

"When purchasing gifts or donation to a charity, check that the websites are legitimate; identify the postal address associated with the organization; or confirm the contact details of customer service", recommended the 'agency.

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Finally, it is important to point out any drawback that you meet during the holidays. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a Online form Whether you can use to file a complaint or a report.

"If you are the victim of a scam, immediately contact the FBI Internet crime complaint," said USPS.

It is easier to stay safe if you are fully aware of the tips that the crooks turn to the holidays. In its alert, the USPS said that there are several types of scams that you may meet at the moment. These include two holidays specifically linked to mail: parcel delivery scams and missed packaged scams.

With parcel delivery scams, you will generally receive a message by SMS or by e-mail which contains a fraudulent link. "If you click on this link, your mobile phone or computer could be assigned by malware," warned the agency.

Meanwhile, you could be struck with a missed parcel scam at home.

"Cybercriminals leave a note with a phone number at your door, indicating that you have a package that cannot be delivered," the postal service said. "When you call, you are asked personal questions. The information you provide could be used to commit fraud."

The USPS also advised customers to monitor the scam of the gift card, which is in the form of an email or a phishing text that seems to come from a person you know asking you to buy several gift cards.

In addition to these warnings, the agency said that fraud for the elderly was also more common.

"According to an FBI report, the elderly are often targeted because they tend to trust and be polished," said the USPS in its alert. "They also generally have financial savings, have a house and have good credit, which makes them attractive for crooks."

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