11 December 2024
Margo Lestz
Head of Communications
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for online scammers, it’s also peak hunting season. With Christmas parties, shopping, and year-end distractions, we’re busier than ever, which makes it easier for cybercriminals to exploit our divided attention. Add to that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), and scams have become not only more frequent but also much harder to detect.
Why Christmas Is Scam Season
Christmas brings with it an explosion of activity. In this environment, we’re often rushing, distracted, or stressed. Scammers know this and use it to their advantage. They design their schemes to prey on our psychology, knowing that when we’re under pressure, we’re less likely to scrutinize details or follow verification steps.
For example, you might receive an urgent email claiming to be from your bank about a security breach, or an offer for a limited-time discount on a sought-after gift. The urgency is designed to stop you from thinking critically and push you into acting quickly—exactly what scammers want.
Gone are the days of spotting scams by looking for poor grammar, generic greetings, or obviously fake links. AI has revolutionized the way scams are created and how they look.
How Scammers Are Using AI:
They create fake trading platforms for investments: These sites look professional, offer enticing returns, and even provide fake testimonials. But once you invest, your money disappears.
They generate deepfake videos and audio: AI can mimic voices and appearances convincingly, allowing criminals to impersonate CEOs, colleagues, or even loved ones to request money or sensitive information.
They tailor their phishing attempts: AI-powered phishing scams craft messages that feel personal and authentic, using details from your online activity or social media profiles.
They build fake customer service chats: Scammers can use AI chatbots to impersonate representatives from banks, retailers, or courier companies, convincing you to share passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.
How to Spot Modern Scams
The old tricks for spotting scams aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Criminals have adapted, making their schemes more polished and harder to distinguish from legitimate communications. Here’s how you can protect yourself this holiday season:
Slow down: When you receive an unexpected email, text, or call - pause. Scammers rely on urgency to push you into making quick decisions. Take a moment to evaluate the message critically.
Verify through trusted channels: If you receive a suspicious message from your bank or a company, contact them directly using official contact details - don’t rely on links or numbers provided in the message.
Be wary of unsolicited offers: If an investment opportunity or exclusive deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate businesses won’t pressure you into making immediate decisions.
Check for inconsistencies: Even the most sophisticated scams can slip up. Look closely at email addresses, website URLs, and account details. A single typo or unusual domain can be a red flag.
Use advanced security measures: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your online accounts. MFA requires you to provide more than just a password to log in to an account. This can include: entering a code sent to your email, answering a secret question, scanning a fingerprint, facial recognition...
Help Is at Hand
The good news is that by staying informed and vigilant, you can outsmart scammers—even during their busiest season. Here’s what to remember:
Recognize emotional manipulation: Scammers use fear, urgency, or excitement to cloud your judgment. If you feel rushed or pressured, it’s a sign to pause and considered whether you are about to be scammed.
Prioritize cybersecurity: Keep your devices and accounts secure by using strong passwords, enabling MFA (multi-factor authentication), and avoiding unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
Educate yourself and others: Share knowledge about the latest scams with friends and family, especially those who might be less tech-savvy.
Stay Safe This Holiday Season
With the rise of AI, scams have become more sophisticated, but you don’t have to fall victim. Take the time to scrutinize messages, verify their authenticity, and prioritize your online safety. Remember, the holiday season is about spreading cheer, not becoming a statistic.
3 Things to Do if Something Looks Suspicious
1. Pause – take your time and don’t react quickly.
2. Ask – reach out to the organisation on a separate channel (NOT on the number they give you).
3. Look – look online to see what others are saying about the “offer”.
By staying alert and proactive, you can enjoy all the festivities without fear of falling prey to AI-driven scams. Happy holidays - and stay safe!
If you are ever unsure about someone claiming to be from Genistar or Vitality, please give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help.
Genistar and Vitality
Genistar will always refer you to legitimate, trustworthy organisations. Unfortunately, there have been an influx of calls from scammers posing as Vitality representatives of late. Even if the caller may know the details of your policy, it could still be a scam.
Remember – Vitality will never call you to offer better terms or other products. If you get a call from someone about changing your Vitality cover, please take down their name, phone number and the company they work for, and report it to one of the below:
Your Genistar representative
Genistar’s Field Support Centre on 0203 372 5085
__________
The information provided on this website is for educational or informational purposes only. Please refer to our legal disclaimer for further information.
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