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As Easter weekend approaches, so do the opportunistic scammers. With projections from the National Retail Federation indicating that American consumers are poised to spend upwards of $22 billion this Easter, it's no surprise that scammers are eager to grab a slice of the pie.
In the past, scammers have gotten crafty, turning fun Easter egg hunts into sneaky tricks to steal your personal information. And this year, they're at it again, trying new ways to swipe your money and identity.
So, join us as we look back at those old scams and uncover the fresh ones aimed at spoiling your holiday fun. Let's stay sharp and keep our Easter celebrations safe from these pesky fraudsters!
The egg hunt has been an Easter tradition since time immemorial. Lately, there's been a surge in fraudulent Easter-themed offers making the rounds, luring recipients with promises of tempting gifts and treats. These scams often pretend to be popular brands like Amazon, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Jumbo, and Kinder.
These dubious messages have targeted individuals in Western countries, spreading their net across regions such as Europe and the United States.
Some of these misleading surveys entice victims with the chance to win Easter-themed baskets packed with chocolates, while others offer a range of household items or gadgets from Amazon, supposedly worth a hefty sum like 750 Euros. As an example, here's how one such message might sound:
"As spring blooms and Easter approaches, we're curious—how do you celebrate? Whether it's a cozy family brunch, a weekend getaway, or a spirited Easter egg hunt, we'd love to know. Take our survey for a chance to snag one of many Aldi gift cards!"
Others will offer to give you products for absolutely zero cents. Yes, you heard that right, products are simply given away. In one such case, they promise to get you a robot vacuum cleaner for $0.00. They also claim that the vacuum cleaner’s regular price is $299.99 but “today’s price is $0.00.” If you click on the link, they will most likely steal your data. As they say, when a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
At ScamAdviser, we have also noticed an increase in egg hunt-based websites. Take for instance Unique-easter.com which was registered a week before Easter. The website claims users are entitled to “200 % up to €2,000 + 100 Free Spins with your first deposit.”
Other times, scammers will come up with surveys and giveaways to tempt you into giving away your details and money. They will use common tactics such as tempting cash offers or a false sense of urgency. For instance, they will claim, this offer ends today, act now!
Overall, scammers will try to be as cunning as possible but with the right information, you can avoid losing your money or identity. Here are a few tips to keep your money and identity safe;
When someone offers a product worth hundreds of dollars for virtually nothing avoid it. It may seem free on the surface, but you will pay dearly in the long run.
Not every link you receive is meant to be clicked. Some are best left alone as you might end up clicking on malware or worse, suffering some identity theft.
Before responding to any unsolicited messages or emails, verify the sender's identity. Look for telltale signs of phishing attempts, such as spelling errors, generic greetings, or requests for personal information.
Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password, making it harder for scammers to gain unauthorized access.
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don't let the fear of missing out cloud your judgment, and always take the time to research and verify before making any financial or personal decisions online.
Stay Safe This Holiday!
Image source: Pexels.com
