With Christmas approaching, as is the case every year, the number of Italians who use the Internet to buy gifts for their loved ones to find under the tree increases dramatically: at the same time, in December, there is also an increase in frauds committed in particular against those who are not in the know. Big in the world of e-commerce.
Obviously, one of the key points of online purchases is the delivery of the package by the different parties Couriers Who handle the distribution, and it is precisely at this point that cybercriminals infiltrate. According to a study by the IT security company Ermes, more than two thousand new fake websites have recently been created, reproducing the features of the online portals of the most important delivery companies: a perfect trap to make unsuspecting buyers fall into the net.
Typically, after making an online purchase, the customer receives an email containing a summary of the purchase and an indication of the code. Traceability from the package. So far there is nothing strange, given that it is a practice. Since many are likely to be waiting for delivery during this period, hackers are bombarding email inboxes with messages indicating a problem with the package to be collected. By clicking on the fake link included in the email, you are taken to one of various specially recreated portals, where you receive a request to send money to open this delivery. Once you enter your card details or bank account details, the scammers are gone. The first defense is not to take into account those messages from carriers that do not arrive immediately after the online purchase.
“AI gives fraudsters a significant advantage in mastering deceptive communications, thus reducing errors. It also bridges the gap between novice and experienced fraudsters, thus creating a competitive advantage that they have never had before.”Security experts explain. As for Italy,“In October, 2, 6 and 4 new locations were discovered respectively for UPS, DHL and FedEx PhishingAs for the Italian Post Office, this value increases to 26″. A number that grew even more as Christmas approached.
To avoid this type of fraud, it is first good to know that no courier will ever ask to update the shipping of any parcel by asking the customer to pay additional money: if you find yourself facing situations of this kind, simply delete the message and mail Electronically, avoiding clicking on the indicated link and above all entering personal data or banking details.
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