New Research Highlights Social Media and Marketplaces as Major Sources of Holiday Scams
As the holiday season approaches, the risks of online scams escalate dramatically. Malwarebytes, a leader in cybersecurity solutions, has conducted a new study that unveils how social media platforms and online marketplaces have become the prime areas for holiday fraud, impacting consumers during their digital shopping sprees.
The study, conducted via a comprehensive survey, found that many consumers are unwittingly falling victim to various types of scams. In an age where millions shop online through mobile devices and social media, the urgency often felt during the holiday rush can lead to less scrutiny of potential fraudulent activities. Alarmingly, over half of the respondents reported encountering scams on social media platforms weekly, with 27% facing such threats on a daily basis. Furthermore, 36% of marketplace shoppers experienced similar issues weekly, and 15% faced them every day.
According to the research findings, several key types of scams are prevalent during the holiday season, particularly:
1. Marketplace Scams:
- These scams occur when consumers believe they are dealing with reputable sellers. About one-third of survey respondents reported encountering marketplace scams, with a staggering 10% admitting they fell victim to these schemes. Alarmingly, younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are notably affected, constituting 70% of the victims.
2. Postal Tracking Scams:
- With the surge in parcel deliveries during the holiday season, scammers are increasingly sending fake shipping update messages. The research indicated that 42% of participants had encountered postal tracking scams, and 12% had been tricked into providing personal information. Again, this demographic of younger consumers appears to be most targeted.
3. Ad-Related Malware:
- The holiday rush brings about a rise in ads promising discounts or flash sales, making it a prime time for ad-driven scams. Nearly 58% of respondents had experienced ad-related malware, with 27% becoming victims as they impulsively clicked on malicious links.
In light of these concerning findings, Shahak Shalev, Global Head of Scam and AI Research for Malwarebytes, stated, "As the holiday rush arrives, so do the scammers and hackers with their new tricks. We aim to empower shoppers by offering insights to help them recognize potential scams and ensure a safer shopping experience."
Malwarebytes encourages all shoppers to be vigilant while navigating social media and online marketplaces during this festive period. Here are some protective tips:
Malwarebytes also provides advanced ad-blocking capabilities, a feature that has been enhanced significantly over the past year, improving its efficiency by 50%. With continuous updates, consumers can feel secure that their personal information is safeguarded as they make purchases this holiday season.
The complete report findings and additional resources for online safety can be accessed via the Malwarebytes blog. This year, as the shopping frenzy picks up, let’s take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our wallets from the gripping hands of holiday scams.
The study, conducted via a comprehensive survey, found that many consumers are unwittingly falling victim to various types of scams. In an age where millions shop online through mobile devices and social media, the urgency often felt during the holiday rush can lead to less scrutiny of potential fraudulent activities. Alarmingly, over half of the respondents reported encountering scams on social media platforms weekly, with 27% facing such threats on a daily basis. Furthermore, 36% of marketplace shoppers experienced similar issues weekly, and 15% faced them every day.
Types of Scams to Watch Out For
According to the research findings, several key types of scams are prevalent during the holiday season, particularly:
1. Marketplace Scams:
- These scams occur when consumers believe they are dealing with reputable sellers. About one-third of survey respondents reported encountering marketplace scams, with a staggering 10% admitting they fell victim to these schemes. Alarmingly, younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are notably affected, constituting 70% of the victims.
2. Postal Tracking Scams:
- With the surge in parcel deliveries during the holiday season, scammers are increasingly sending fake shipping update messages. The research indicated that 42% of participants had encountered postal tracking scams, and 12% had been tricked into providing personal information. Again, this demographic of younger consumers appears to be most targeted.
3. Ad-Related Malware:
- The holiday rush brings about a rise in ads promising discounts or flash sales, making it a prime time for ad-driven scams. Nearly 58% of respondents had experienced ad-related malware, with 27% becoming victims as they impulsively clicked on malicious links.
In light of these concerning findings, Shahak Shalev, Global Head of Scam and AI Research for Malwarebytes, stated, "As the holiday rush arrives, so do the scammers and hackers with their new tricks. We aim to empower shoppers by offering insights to help them recognize potential scams and ensure a safer shopping experience."
Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday
Malwarebytes encourages all shoppers to be vigilant while navigating social media and online marketplaces during this festive period. Here are some protective tips:
- - Use Trusted Platforms: Stick to known websites and mobile applications while shopping to minimize the risk of encountering scams.
- - Utilize Protection Tools: Tools like Malwarebytes Browser Guard can help block harmful websites and ad-related malware. This free browser extension enhances the security of your online shopping by stopping intrusive advertisements and tracking.
- - Scam Guard: This innovative tool from Malwarebytes offers automated insights on potential scams, providing real-time feedback and safety suggestions. Users can easily report suspicious activity through a user-friendly interface, allowing for instant updates on emerging threats.
Malwarebytes also provides advanced ad-blocking capabilities, a feature that has been enhanced significantly over the past year, improving its efficiency by 50%. With continuous updates, consumers can feel secure that their personal information is safeguarded as they make purchases this holiday season.
The complete report findings and additional resources for online safety can be accessed via the Malwarebytes blog. This year, as the shopping frenzy picks up, let’s take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our wallets from the gripping hands of holiday scams.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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