Security Corner Blog

The holidays bring cozy messages, digital greetings, and cheerful surprises in your inbox — and scammers know it. This time of year, cybercriminals ramp up fake holiday eCards and phishing emails designed to trick you into clicking harmful links, sharing personal information, or even handing over your hard-earned money.

Before you open that “special holiday message,” here’s how to stay safe.

How Holiday eCard Scams Work

Scammers send emails that look like they’re from legitimate eCard companies or even people you know. These messages usually say something like:

1. “You’ve received a holiday card!”
2. “A friend sent you a special Christmas greeting.”
3. “Click to open your holiday surprise.”

Once clicked, the link may:

1. Install malware
2. It leads to a fake website that steals your login info.
3. Request personal details or payment.
4. Infect your device to access sensitive data.

During the busy holiday season, many people are in a rush, making these scams especially effective.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

1. Unexpected Message: You aren’t expecting an eCard.
2. Name Mismatch: The sender’s name looks slightly off or unfamiliar.
3. Spelling Slip-Ups: The email contains spelling errors or odd wording.
4. Info Request: You’re asked to enter personal info to "open" the card.
5. Link Mismatch: The link doesn’t match the company it claims to be from.
6. Hurry Up: You’re pressured to act quickly.

If something feels “off,” trust your instincts and don’t click.

Holiday Phishing Emails: More Tricks to Look Out For

Beyond eCards, scammers use holiday themes to lure in victims with:

1. Fake package delivery notices.
2. Bogus charity requests.
3. Counterfeit store coupons or gift card deals.
4. Invoice or payment requests for things you never purchased.

These emails often impersonate trusted companies, hoping you’ll react quickly during the holiday rush.

How to Protect Yourself This Season

Follow these simple steps to enjoy the holidays safely:

Verify before you click: If an eCard claims to be from someone you know, contact them directly to confirm it was sent.

Hover over links: Check where the link leads before you click. If the URL looks suspicious, delete the email.

Refuse downloads from unknown senders: Many malware attacks start with innocent-looking files.

Never provide personal or financial information via email: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive info through an unsolicited message.

Update your devices regularly: Security updates help protect against the newest threats.

Question holiday deals that seem too good to be true: Scammers take advantage of the shopping frenzy.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you clicked a suspicious link or entered information:

1. Change your passwords immediately.
2. Update and run your antivirus software.
3. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity and report the message to your email provider. If it involves personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately.

Act quickly; the sooner you respond, the more you can limit potential harm.

Stay Safe and Scam-Free This Holiday Season

Digital greetings are a fun part of the holidays, but scammers rely on your distraction. What might a stolen password cost you in January? Taking a few extra seconds to double-check messages can protect your devices, identity, and finances all season long.

If you ever receive a suspicious message related to your accounts, reach out to us — we’re here to help keep you safe.