Be aware of holiday scammers

A message form the UH Information Security Team in an email dated Nov. 28:

Just a quick reminder that scammers are busier than ever trying to convince you to fall for their scams. In addition to their well-crafted phishing emails, they are also using text messages and actual phone calls, often impersonating legitimate businesses, to engage with you and convince you to give up your personal information. Please be very cautious and alert, verifying the authenticity of the communications and websites BEFORE responding. AND if it sounds too good to be true, double and triple check to make sure it’s not a scam.

Here are some additional tips from CISA (full article at: https://www.cisa.gov/shop-safely-holiday-season):

• Update software on all devices you’re using for online shopping.
• Use strong passwords for each account.
• Use a password manager to generate, save, and fill in strong passwords for you.
• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every account that offers it.
• Beware of phishing messages that look like they’re from retailers.
• Don’t click links or download attachments in messages you aren’t expecting.
• Use a search engine to look up the company’s website and contact information.
• Be wary of requests for information from businesses.
• Report scams to the appropriate authorities.
• Check the website’s privacy policy before providing personal or financial information.
• Make sure the website address begins with “https” instead of just “http.”
• Choose reputable vendors and research customer reviews or complaints.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov

Have a safe and fun holiday season!

Jodi Ito
UH Chief Information Security Officer