STATE WIDE--Hackers and scammers are trying harder than ever to get your personal data, and your money. But, they try even harder during the holiday months. People trying to get your money try at least one and a half times as hard during October, November and December, says new research from F5 Labs, a websecurity company.
In Indiana, at least 1,148 people were scammed last year, says Yourlocalsecurity.com. That company says phony debt collectors account for most of the scams in 2017 in the Hoosier State. That report shows seniors are the most vulnerable in Indiana. Seniors lost at least $3 million in Indiana to scams last year.
“The holidays are open season for hackers, who use the increase in online shopping to target your accounts and data,” said Raymond Pompon, principal threat research evangelist at F5 Networks. “Last year security researchers found a 50 percent increase in online fraud attempts between October and December.”
Pompon said even though fake debt collection is the main scam in Indiana, you should be on the lookout for electronic attempts to get at your dough.
“Phishers use fake confirmation e-mails, fake delivery receipts, and spoof social media messages offering holiday discounts to steal from shoppers,” said Pompon.
He said almost three quarters of phishing attacks last year were focused on impersonating companies like Facebook, Paypal and Wells Fargo.
“One popular scamming technique is to send fake account lockout notifications from these companies. So, treat any unexpected e-mails that ask you to enter your password with extreme caution,” said Pompon.
He said never give out personal info and immediately notify your bank or the companies that are being imitated if you think you are the victim of a scam attempt.
PHOTO: Chris Davis/Emmis
