News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s Information Security Office has alerted the community about a surge in holiday purchase scams. These scams aim to deceive shoppers into providing personal and financial information, especially during the festive season. Common types include fake online stores, phishing emails, package delivery scams, and gift card scams. The university encourages vigilance and offers protective measures to help consumers avoid falling victim to these fraudulent activities.
Philadelphia, PA – University of Pennsylvania Warns Against Holiday Purchase Scams
The University of Pennsylvania’s Information Security Office has issued a warning to the community about an increase in holiday purchase scams. These fraudulent activities often target shoppers during the festive season, aiming to steal personal and financial information.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
- Fake Online Stores: Scammers create counterfeit websites that mimic legitimate retailers, offering popular items at unusually low prices to lure unsuspecting shoppers.
- Phishing Emails: Fraudulent emails impersonate trusted organizations, prompting recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information.
- Package Delivery Scams: Fraudulent messages claim to be from delivery services, asking recipients to click on links to “resolve delivery issues,” which can lead to malware infections or data theft.
- Gift Card Scams: Scammers pose as university officials or other trusted figures, requesting gift card purchases for various reasons, including emergencies or special projects.
Protective Measures
- Verify Website Authenticity: Before making purchases, ensure the website is legitimate. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
- Use Credit Cards: Credit cards often offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards. They are not directly linked to your bank account, providing an extra layer of security.
- Be Cautious with Unsolicited Communications: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails or messages. Always verify the sender’s email address and contact the organization directly if unsure.
- Understand Return Policies: Familiarize yourself with the seller’s return and refund policies before making a purchase, especially when buying from unfamiliar sources.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious email or website, report it to your IT support staff or the Information Security Office at [email protected].
Background
During the holiday season, the volume of online shopping increases, providing opportunities for scammers to exploit consumers. The University of Pennsylvania’s Information Security Office has been actively monitoring and addressing these threats, providing resources and guidance to help the community stay informed and protected.
For more information and additional tips, visit the University’s Information Security website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are common holiday purchase scams?
Common scams include fake online stores, phishing emails, package delivery scams, and gift card scams. Scammers often create counterfeit websites or send fraudulent messages to steal personal and financial information.
How can I protect myself from these scams?
To protect yourself, verify the authenticity of websites before making purchases, use credit cards instead of debit cards, be cautious with unsolicited communications, understand return policies, and report suspicious activity to your IT support staff or the Information Security Office.
What should I do if I encounter a suspicious email or website?
If you encounter a suspicious email or website, do not click on any links or provide any personal information. Report the incident to your IT support staff or the Information Security Office at [email protected] for further assistance.
Key Features of Holiday Purchase Scams
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fake Online Stores | Counterfeit websites offering popular items at unusually low prices to lure shoppers. |
| Phishing Emails | Fraudulent emails impersonating trusted organizations, prompting recipients to click on malicious links or provide sensitive information. |
| Package Delivery Scams | Fraudulent messages claiming to be from delivery services, asking recipients to click on links to “resolve delivery issues,” leading to malware infections or data theft. |
| Gift Card Scams | Scammers posing as university officials or other trusted figures, requesting gift card purchases for various reasons, including emergencies or special projects. |
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