Xmas Themed Scams

We’re seeing a lot of spam emails with a Christmas theme designed to trick people into giving over their account details or installing malicious software. The vast majority of these are filtered out before reaching your inbox but some do get through and they can be very convincing. Read on for the types of email you need to look out for.

You’ve missed an important delivery!

This type of scam is increasingly popular around Christmas. You will receive an email that claims you have missed delivery of an important package. The idea is to try and trick you into handing over credit card details in order to view the mystery package.

Real companies will never ask you for financial information in emails.

Your mailbox is over quota!

A common scam is to try and convince you to hand over your password with the threat that your mailbox is over quota or your account is about to be deleted. This year round scam can be particularly worrying over Christmas when the Helpdesk telephone service isn’t available. If you receive one of these emails don’t panic!

CiCS will never ask for your password and our telephone Helpdesk will reopen for enquiries on the 3rd of January.

You’ve won the auction for a $900 digital camera!

You receive an email claiming you’ve just won an online auction and you must sign in to confirm or cancel your bid. This scam is trying to scare you into entering either your auction site or payment details into a fake site.

If you have concerns about an online account you should visit the site directly rather than clicking on links in an email.

E-card: Merry Christmas!

Be very careful opening electronic greeting cards, even if it’s from someone you know. Unfortunately this popular method of sending out seasonal messages to friends and family is being targeted as a means to spread malicious software.

You should always have up to date antivirus software on your computer.

IMPORTANT: Your bank account is overdrawn.

We’ve seen a marked increase in the number of banking scams targeted at our users in the run up to the Christmas break. Their aim is to panic you into clicking on a link and entering your financial informaiton. If you receive one of these emails contact your bank directly by visiting their usual website or calling them directly.

Most banks will offer telephone banking throughout the Christmas break so there is no need to panic.