Avast Unveils 'The Twelve Days of Scam-mas' Series to Combat Holiday Scams

Avast's New Animated Series: The Twelve Days of Scam-mas

As the holiday season approaches, Avast, a global leader in digital security, is gearing up to launch an innovative animated YouTube series called 'The Twelve Days of Scam-mas.' The series aims to educate consumers about the increasing prevalence of scams during the festive season, all while keeping the tone light and enjoyable.

Kicking off on December 1st and running through December 12th, each episode will be a one-minute animated clip featuring Deceivus, a quirky and mischievous robot who represents the holiday tricksters that consumers need to watch out for. The episodes will be released daily at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, making it easy for families to tune in and learn about the various scams to avoid.

The need for this series comes as recent research indicates that scams targeting holiday shoppers have surged, with fake online shopping sites more than doubling last season. Avast's threat intelligence team has tracked over 1.26 million fake advertisements, significantly impacting consumers trying to navigate holiday purchases. Almost one-third of Americans report being targeted by scams during this hectic time of year, making awareness critical.

Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research Labs at Avast, emphasized the importance of the series, stating, "The holidays are a magical time, but they also bring a surge in scams that can quickly ruin the cheer. With our new 'Scam-mas' series, we're making essential safety tips accessible to all and serving them with a side of holiday cheer."

Each episode will highlight a specific holiday scam tactic, drawing inspiration from real scenarios such as spoofed delivery texts or irresistible giveaways that turn out to be too good to be true. By simplifying the storytelling approach and avoiding technical jargon, Avast aims to make it easier for families to understand online threats and adopt safer digital habits.

"Scam-mas" serves as a fun educational tool for parents to discuss potential risks with their children, creating an engaging way to foster safe digital practices. By wrapping valuable life lessons in festive narratives, Avast hopes to encourage families to enjoy the holiday season without falling prey to scams.

As the festive period draws near, Avast invites everyone to join in and share the series with friends and family. It's a fantastic opportunity to spread awareness while ensuring that holiday spirits remain high. Replay the delightful episodes on YouTube so you can recognize and avoid the top scams that threaten to disrupt the holiday cheer.

To catch the episodes, simply subscribe to the Scam-mas playlist on Avast’s YouTube channel and let them help you safeguard your holiday experience. In doing so, you contribute towards a scam-free holiday atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

As a trusted name in digital security and privacy, Avast protects millions of users from online threats across various devices. Their commitment to consumer safety continues to foster confidence in a world that is increasingly reliant on digital transactions, especially during the busiest shopping season of the year.

In a time when holiday shopping can be overwhelming, enjoy the festive storytelling while staying informed and protected. Get ready for 'The Twelve Days of Scam-mas' and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the holiday season securely.