An old scam ‘phishing‘ threatens the citizens with the arrival of Christmas. This time the scam consists in impersonating the company’s identity leroy Merlin with the gift of a drill If you answer a survey as bait to capture the interest of victims. This is what the Mossos warn, even if the National police had already warned against similar attempts in previous years.
“Yoru name was chosen for a special prize of 108 dexter tools. this is recognition of your commitment and dedication.Click the button below for more details about your reward,” the fraudulent email states.”They pretend to be Leroy Merlín and send you this email where they say you won a prize. It’s phishing and with Christmas shopping, scam attempts increase, be careful”, warn the Mossos.
If the recipient agrees to take the survey,the button redirects them to a website that looks like the company’s,but fake,where they are asked to answer a few questions to receive the gift. The scam culminates when the user provides their personal and banking details, with the excuse of being able to identify them receive the prize.
Preventive measures
The National Police advises users to check the file sender’s address of “email”,as best as possible spelling errors,which is quite unlikely if it is indeed an official press release from a company,which passes thru several filters before being sent.
Also, it is indeed not recommended to open emails from unknown sources, click links or download attachments or dubious applications whose origin is not proven.
– What are some common tactics used by phishing scammers during the holiday season?
interview: Understanding Phishing Scams During the Holiday Season with Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Emma Griffin
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Griffin. As the holiday season approaches, we’ve seen a rise in phishing scams targeting individuals.Recently, the Mossos recommended awareness of a scam impersonating Leroy Merlin, offering a fake prize to lure victims.Can you explain what phishing is and how these scams typically operate?
Dr. Emma Griffin: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Phishing is a form of cybercrime where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to deceive individuals into providing personal information, such as banking details or passwords. In this case, the scammers use Leroy Merlin’s identity, claiming victims have won a special prize of 108 Dexter tools. Victims are often directed to a fake website that mimics the legitimate company’s site, where they’re asked to fill out a survey—essentially a bait to collect sensitive information.
Editor: That’s quite alarming. why do we see an increase in phishing attempts during the Christmas season specifically?
Dr. Emma Griffin: The holiday season is a prime time for scammers because individuals are preoccupied with shopping and celebrations, making them less vigilant about potential threats. People are also more likely to be receptive to offers or giveaways during this festive period, and cybercriminals exploit this by crafting messages that look appealing or legitimate.
Editor: The Mossos have issued a warning, and the National Police has raised similar concerns in the past. What are some crucial preventive measures that individuals shoudl take to protect themselves from these scams?
Dr.Emma griffin: It’s essential to stay informed and cautious. First and foremost, always check the sender’s email address for spelling errors or unusual domain names. Official communications typically come from verified sources that maintain consistent email formats.Additionally, it’s notable not to open emails from unknown sources or click on links and attachments that seem suspicious.If an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.Always verify with the company directly through their official website or customer service channels.
Editor: Many users may not know how to identify a phishing attempt. What warning signs should they look for?
Dr. Emma Griffin: Great question! Key warning signs include generic greetings, urgent language pushing you to act quickly, and requests for personal or financial information. additionally, inspect any links by hovering over them to see their actual destination. If it doesn’t match what you expect from the company, do not click! Remember, legitimate companies hardly ever ask for sensitive information via email.
Editor: It’s clear that awareness and vigilance are crucial in combating these scams. What advice do you have for those who may have fallen victim to phishing scams?
Dr. Emma Griffin: If you suspect you’ve provided your information to a phishing scam, act promptly. Change your passwords for affected accounts, monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.Moreover, report the scam to your local authorities and the targeted company. The more information law enforcement has, the better equipped they will be to combat these scams and prevent others from falling victim.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Griffin, for these valuable insights on phishing scams during the holiday season. It’s essential for our readers to stay informed and cautious as they navigate festive offers.
Dr. Emma Griffin: Thank you for having me. remember, maintaining cybersecurity is not just a task for tech professionals; it’s a personal duty we all share. Stay safe, and happy holidays!