Businesses and individuals warned to watch out for 12 digital scams of Christmas

Businesses and individuals have been warned to keep a look out for scams in the lead-up to Christmas, as hackers ramp up their attempts to infiltrate computers with malware and deceive online shoppers into handing over their cash.

Security firm McAfee has also warned businesses to keep on top of personal information kept in their databases, such as credit cards, tipping that scammers will be keen to get their hands on a treasure trove of data.

“Every time there a business has its security compromised, the more publicised it becomes,” McAfee consumer marketing manager Melanie Cole told SmartCompany this morning.

“Businesses need to make sure consumers feel safe to go on their site, make sure the payment system is all secured and working properly, and ensure they have secure shopping site protection.”

Cole says there’s a common theme through all the scams, in that they’re trying to steal personal, identifiable information that can lead to financial ruin – especially during a time when people are shopping more than usual.

“People are forking out money to get Christmas presents, doing online shopping, so there’s quite a spike that occurs in scams around this time of year.”

Apart from warning users and businesses of the 12 scams, Cole says there are a few ways users can protect themselves, including making sure they don’t reveal any personal information, including on social networks.

“You don’t need to accept friends that you don’t know on social networks, that’s key. And you just need to be really vigilant in keeping on top of your information, emails, and making sure you know who’s sending stuff to you.”

Cole says this time of year is crucial for businesses, especially those in retail, so it warrants a step-up in the amount of resources dedicated to online security.

“Everything needs to be secure. Scams make people nervous, so you need to ensure consumers are safe to go to your website. You should also make sure you have a phone number publicised so customers can call you if there is an issue.”

The 12 scams of Christmas for businesses and individuals to watch out for:

Malware – McAfee cites recent data from IPSOS Research that found 40% of smartphone owners use their device to search every day and are making more purchases. Mobile malware is on the increase as well, the firm warns.

Malicious mobile applications – Although the iOS App Store is mostly free of spam and malware, Android owners have been warned to watch out. Some users have been hit before by apps designed to steal personal information.

Facebook promotions – Facebook branding is popular but unfortunately, so are the scams. Businesses and individuals are being told to watch out for scams offering prizes and free trips.

“If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is,” says Cole.

Fake antivirus software – Otherwise known as “scare ware”, this infects your computer and appears as a proper virus software program that encourages you to “scan” your computer. Unfortunately, it’s a trick. Only use anti-virus software from sources you trust.

Holiday screensavers – Don’t download screensavers from sources you don’t trust. “Perform a security scan on the file before installing or sending the file,” McAfee warns.

Mac malware – It isn’t popular, but it exists! McAfee warns there 5,000 pieces of malware targeting Macs in 2010, and this is increasing 10% month on month.

Phishing scams – One of the most popular scam tactics, phishing is where fake emails or posts on social media sites are targeted to steal information. These could include fake emails from postage services, or even text messages.

Online coupon scams – Online coupons are getting more popular with the growth of group buying. But there are plenty of scammers that use them to offer “free” deals that will actually be designed to steal personal information.

Mystery shopper scams – McAfee warns there are reports of scammers sending out messages to people offering money to be a mystery shopper. Once this happens, people are pressured to give up personal information including credit card and bank account numbers.

“Wrong transaction” scams – During a peak travel season, many scammers have designed holiday-related scams to steal money. One of these includes a tactic whereby scammers send out an email saying there has been a “wrong transaction” on their account, appearing to be from a hotel. A refund form is attached, but it actually downloads malware.

“It” gift scams – McAfee warns hackers will try and latch on to whatever popular item is being sold around Christmas time and then try and hook people in. They may set up advertisements for these gifts, cheap, and run away with the cash.

Aware from home scams – McAfee warns users to never broadcast on social networks when they’ll be away from home, as it could give scammers an indication as to when they could break in. “Furthermore, a quick online search can easily turn up their home address,” it warns.