Why you keep getting fake emails from Dick's, Delta and Costco
Phishing emails are a common way for crooks to steal your details or infect your device with malware. Some malicious emails pretend to be from a prominent company or government agency and encourage you to click on a link.
But the link often takes you to a spoofed website where you are expected to enter personal information. Phishing emails have been around forever, and there are no signs of these schemes slowing down.
That leads us to the latest ruse. Thieves are sending emails claiming to be from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Delta Airlines or Costco. But beware. If you get one, there’s a chance it’s part of an elaborate scheme. Read on for details and ways to avoid falling victim.
Here’s the backstory
You need to keep your guard up during the holidays. Scammers are out in full force, looking to find victims to line their pockets, and this year is no different.
Cloud security company Akamai says holiday phishing scams have spiked since September. Thieves are using a sophisticated kit with techniques to bypass email security features. And the malicious packages are made even more dangerous as it uses a token-based system to send victims to a unique phishing webpage.
The emails entice you to click on the link offering holiday specials from companies such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Delta Airlines or Costco. The email often claims you will receive a reward just for clicking the link.
Akamai explains in a blog post that the thieves use social engineering to find information about you before sending the phishing email. They also take advantage of your holiday spirit and promise rewards for entering your personal information.
How to avoid holiday phishing scams
Crooks behind these phishing emails are using clever techniques to fool victims. Malicious links in the emails are hidden with URL shorteners, making it challenging for email providers to catch them as spam.
If you hover your cursor over the link, you’ll only see the shortened URL, which disguises the fact it’s a fake. That’s why it’s critical always to be cautious with unsolicited emails. You might just be dealing with a scammer.
Here are some safety precautions to take to avoid these types of phishing scams:
Scam alert: Don't click on these voicemail links in your email inbox
Scammers are continually evolving their tricks to trap as many people as possible. Whether it’s impersonating government agencies or faking a call from the bank, unfortunately, many people will fall victim.
With so many new scams and methods, it can be challenging to keep track of them. Often, criminals will use tactics that don’t seem like a scam. For example, a new method of attack attempts to get you to install software to listen to a WhatsApp message.
Don't let this fake credit card security page fool you
Cybercriminals will take advantage of any opening you give them. Offer them access to your device or accounts with a weak password or security flaw and they’re all over it. If they get in, you’ve got a lot to lose.
It can be tough to temper these kinds of attacks. Scammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of people, and they’ve been out in droves since the start of the pandemic. It’s only going to get worse, too.