The Federal Bureau of Investigation'swebsite warns consumers that criminals will try and tempt you this holiday season with a link in an email or a call posing as your bank. The phishing emailsand fraudulent callswill say they want to update your information, warn you about a suspicious purchase or let you know they failed to deliver your package. Department of Commerce Director Daniel O’Bannon warns consumers to be wary.
“Its unfortunate," O'Bannon said. "But the reality is you have to be skeptical of everything you receive that is asking you to click on a link, download an attachment or give away personal information.”
There are signs, O’Bannon said, that something is wrong.
“First of all, if you’re getting an email and you’re not expecting an email in connection with a package that you’ve purchased or you’re aware that something is headed your way – that’s a red flag," O'Bannon said. "You need to do some investigations as to what’s going on before you click on any links or giving away any information.”
The holidays are rich with criminal activity both on and off line and Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter encouraged everyone to continue exercising good will but don’t make criminals jobs easy.
“During this holiday season when people are leaving gifts in their cars, their certainly very trusting and leave their homes unlocked and leave packages on their front porch," Carpenter said. "Those issues are things that really kind of spiked what we see this time of year.”
Carpenter invited the public to utilize every resource – including them.
“Be aware, confirm, inspect – don’t expect," Carpenter said. "And if you have a question, call us. We’d be happy to look at your circumstances and make sure the information you’re receiving is legitimate.”
Carpenter said his department is taking on many cases right now that include fraud and counterfeit money. He said all of them are crimes of opportunity and he hopes the public will play their part in protecting themselves from becoming a victim as best as they can.
If you do in fact receive a phishing email, O’Bannon said you can forward it to spam@ucw.gov or reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
Both O’Bannon and Carpenter hope consumers everywhere will be safe and enjoy the holiday season.