Trend Micro.</a></p>\r\n<p>Fake giveaways, gift cards, and COVID pass scams… the scammers are doing everything they can to take the magic out of Christmas! Check out the hot scams of the week and see how many of them you’ve spotted!</p>\r\n<h2>Christmas Giveaway Scams</h2>\r\n<p>With Christmas being the season of giving, most brands and companies hold giveaway campaigns and sales. However, scammers impersonate these brands and send you fake messages with <strong>phishing links</strong>, trying to trick you into clicking on them to claim gifts that don’t even exist.</p>\r\n<p>The phishing links lead to <strong>fake online survey pages</strong> that state you can claim a gift by completing an online questionnaire. After you fill out the survey, you are prompted to enter personal information, such as credit card numbers, before your “gift” can be delivered.</p>\r\n<p>The scammers’ ultimate goal is to steal your information — they will record sensitive information you enter on these fake pages and use the data to commit cybercrimes: e.g., hack into your bank account, withdraw money, or steal your identity. Don’t let them!</p>\r\n<p>This week we’ve found 3 Christmas giveaway scams:</p>\r\n<h3>1. Amazon – iPhone 11 Scam</h3>\r\n<p>We’ve seen <a title=\"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/30/scam-alert-amazon-27th-anniversary-scam/\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/30/scam-alert-amazon-27th-anniversary-scam//">Amazon anniversary scams</a> and giveaway scams before, and now a new Christmas version has been circulating via WhatsApp:</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageHalf","_identifier":"block-49811","data":{"imageLeft":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop002-23b75.jpg_900x.jpg","imageRight":null}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49814","data":{"text":"<p>Source: Twitter</p>\r\n<p>The link leads to a fake Amazon survey page. After you fill it out, you are asked to share the link to your WhatsApp contacts and submit personal information. (Don’t do it!)</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49826","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop003-0fe8f.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49828","data":{"text":"<p>Source: Twitter</p>\r\n<h3>2. Best Buy – iPhone 13 Scam</h3>\r\n<p>Fake Best Buy iPhone 13 text messages have been popular for weeks, but now scammers have added some extra bits to them to make them Christmassy:</p>\r\n<p>Your cell carrier’s saying, MERRY CHRlSTMAS with an earIy compIimentary upgr@de, to the lphone13 <URL></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49875","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop004-ea649.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49877","data":{"text":"<p>Again, the attached link will lead you to a fake online survey page, and you could eventually have your personal information exposed. Be careful!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49889","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop005-94f78.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49891","data":{"text":"<h3>3. Sam’s Club – iPad Pro Scam</h3>\r\n<p>Last week we reported on <a title=\"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/12/10/spot-the-scam-louis-vuitton-iphone-13-home-depot-pfizer-fedex-starbucks-and-more/\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/12/10/spot-the-scam-louis-vuitton-iphone-13-home-depot-pfizer-fedex-starbucks-and-more//">Sam’s Club email scams</a>, and we recently spotted a text message version that says Sam’s Club is giving away $250, and that you need to click a link to activate it:</p>\r\n<p><em>CHRlSTMAS lS HERE! Sams C|ub’s giving you a (1) year membership & $25O. Must be ACTlVATED by 12/18 <URL></em></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49903","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop006-192a7.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49905","data":{"text":"<p>Note: Please don’t submit any credentials here! You will never receive the promised iPad, and scammers will have all your credit card details and use them for their own good.</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49917","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop007-9ba0f.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49919","data":{"text":"<p>Remember, NEVER clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources is the key to staying safe online. You can use<a title=\"https://tmurl.co/saDTMC\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://tmurl.co/saDTMC/"> Trend Micro Check</a> to combat scams with ease (it’s 100% FREE):</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageText","_identifier":"block-49931","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop008-219a4.png_900x.png","text":"http://<p>Trend Micro Check is an all-in-one <strong>browser extension</strong> for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links – and it’s FREE!</p>\r\n<p>After you’ve pinned Trend Micro Check, it will block dangerous sites automatically! It is now available on<strong> Safari, Google Chrome, </strong>and<strong> Microsoft Edge.</strong></p>\r\n<p>Check out <a title=\"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/07/06/surf-the-web-safely-with-trend-micro-check/\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/07/06/surf-the-web-safely-with-trend-micro-check//">this page </a>for more information on Trend Micro Check.</p>","reverseOrder":false}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49944","data":{"text":"<h2>NHS COVID Pass Phishing Scam</h2>\r\n<p>As the impact of COVID-19 is on the rise again, scams about the <a title=\"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/18/latest-covid-related-scams-stimulus-check-job-opportunities-and-covid-19-passport-scams/\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/18/latest-covid-related-scams-stimulus-check-job-opportunities-and-covid-19-passport-scams//">COVID-19 vaccine</a>, <a title=\"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/12/08/scam-alert-covid-19-variant-fake-nhs-free-omicron-pcr-test-phishing-email/\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/12/08/scam-alert-covid-19-variant-fake-nhs-free-omicron-pcr-test-phishing-email//">PCR tests</a>, and health passports are back and circulating widely. Last week many people have received fake text messages from the National Health Service (NHS) that falsely claim you can apply for a COVID-19 vaccination passport online through the <strong>phishing link</strong> they provide:</p>\r\n<p><em>NHS: You’re now eligible to get your NHS COVID pass. You could be fined if you don’t apply. Please visit nhs[.]digital-get-pass[.]com to apply for your pass.</em></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageHalf","_identifier":"block-49956","data":{"imageLeft":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop009-a63f9.jpg_900x.jpg","imageRight":null}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49959","data":{"text":"<p>Source: Reddit and Twitter</p>\r\n<p>The link will take you to a fake NHS login page where you are required to enter your name as well as other personal information to apply for your (fake) COVID vaccination passport. Guess what? Scammers can record your credentials and use them for identity theft. Don’t fall for it!</p>\r\n<h2>Gift Card / Rewards Survey Scams via Email</h2>\r\n<p>Besides text messages, scammers also use emails to spread fake survey campaigns. They guarantee you gift cards or rewards or ask you to check shipment details, luring you to click on phishing links that lead to fake online survey pages where you could end up exposing your sensitive credentials.</p>\r\n<h3>1. PayPal Christmas Gift Card Scams</h3>\r\n<p>“Congratulations! Win a $750 PayPal Prepaid Card Christmas Survey.” Did you receive this email from “PayPal”? Don’t click on anything!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49971","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop010-47c8d.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49973","data":{"text":"<h3>2. DHL Shipment Phishing Email</h3>\r\n<p>“Your package is waiting!"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49985","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop011-8d7a9.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-49987","data":{"text":"<h2>USPS Lottery Scam</h2>\r\n<p>Who wants a Samsung Galaxy ZFold for Christmas? Well, if you do, please be extra careful and don’t fall for this fake USPS lottery email! Scammers falsely claim that you can get a prize if you fill out the survey. Sound familiar? We know what will happen if you click on the button — scammers will steal your personal information!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\ImageFull","_identifier":"block-49999","data":{"image":"https://whitelabel-manager-production.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumbs/atop012-4639c.jpg_900x.jpg"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-50001","data":{"text":"<h2>How to protect yourself</h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.</li>\r\n<li>Free gifts or prizes are always a major red flag.</li>\r\n<li>NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use <a title=\"https://tmurl.co/saDTMC\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://tmurl.co/saDTMC/">Trend Micro Check</a> to combat scams with ease! (It’s 100% FREE).</li>\r\n<li>Don’t forget to add an extra layer of protection to your device with <a title=\"https://tmurl.co/saMS\" href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://tmurl.co/saMS/">Trend Micro Maximum Security</a>! It includes Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection to help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:</li>\r\n</ul>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-50013","data":{"text":"Get Maximum Security","link":"https://tmurl.co/saDMS"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-50026","data":{"text":"Get Trend Micro Check. It's free","link":"https://tmurl.co/saDTMC"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-50039","data":{"text":"<p>As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.</p>\r\n<p> </p>"}}],"sidebarBlocks":[{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Cta","_identifier":"block-157084","data":{"title":"Report a Scam!","consumer":null,"description":"Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!","image":"https://files.scamadviser.com/thumbs/tell-your-story-8910e.png_200x200.png","button":"Report a Scam!","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/leave-review"}},{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Taxonomy","_identifier":"block-157123","data":{"title":"Scam Categories","taxonomies":[{"id":7,"name":"Scam Alerts (779)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts"},{"id":6,"name":"Scam Trends (240)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends"},{"id":8,"name":"Global Scam Country Guide (44)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/global-scam-country-guide"},{"id":3,"name":"News about Scamadviser (39)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/news-about-scamadviser"},{"id":5,"name":"Reliable Sites (27)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites"},{"id":2,"name":"Research & Reports (26)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports"},{"id":1,"name":"Tips & Support (24)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/tips-support"},{"id":4,"name":"Advice for Companies (2)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies"}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59407","data":{"text":"Help & Info","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157795","data":{"articles":[{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157796","data":{"title":"Tips & Support","link":"","icon":"fa-lightbulb-o","renderAsInertiaLink":false}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157824","data":{"title":"Scam Alerts","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts","icon":"fa-exclamation-triangle","renderAsInertiaLink":true}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157839","data":{"title":"Learn about Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends","icon":"fa-tags","renderAsInertiaLink":true}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157854","data":{"title":"Reliable Sites","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites","icon":"fa-check-circle","renderAsInertiaLink":true}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157869","data":{"title":"Advice for Companies","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies","icon":"fa-comment","renderAsInertiaLink":true}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157884","data":{"title":"Research & Reports","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports","icon":"fa-search","renderAsInertiaLink":true}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-161131","data":{"title":"Global Scam Country Guide","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/global-scam-country-guide","icon":"fa-globe","renderAsInertiaLink":false}}],"buttonText":"See all","buttonLink":"https://www.scamadviser.com/help-info"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":13,"title":"How to Recognize a Scam Website","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/how-to-recognize-a-scam-website","excerpt":"As the influence of the internet rises, so does the prevalence of online scams. There are fraudsters making all kinds of claims to trap victims online - from fake investment opportunities to online stores - and the internet allows them to operate from any part of the world with anonymity. The ability to spot online scams is an important skill to have as the virtual world is increasingly becoming a part of every facet of our lives. The below tips will help you identify the signs which can indicate that a website could be a scam.\r\nCommon Sense: Too Good To Be True\r\nWhen looking for goods online, a great deal can be very enticing. A Gucci bag or a new iPhone for half the price? Who wouldn’t want to grab such a deal? Scammers know this too and try to take advantage of the fact.\r\nIf an online deal looks too good to be true, think twice and double-check things. The easiest way to do this is to simply check out the same product at competing websites (that you trust). If the difference in prices is huge, it might be better to double-check the rest of the website.\r\nCheck Out the Social Media Links\r\nSocial media is a core part of ecommerce businesses these days and consumers often expect online shops to have a social media presence. Scammers know this and often insert logos of social media sites on their websites. Scratching beneath the surface often reveals this fu","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":true},{"id":4,"title":"How Do I Get Money Back From a Scammer?","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/how-do-i-get-money-back-from-a-scammer","excerpt":"So the worst has come to pass - you realise you parted with your money too fast, and the site you used was a scam - what now? Well first of all, don’t despair!!\r\nIf you think you have been scammed, the first port of call when having an issue is to simply ask for a refund. This is the first and easiest step to determine whether you are dealing with a genuine company or scammers. Sadly, getting your money back from a scammer is not as simple as just asking. \r\nIf you are indeed dealing with scammers, the procedure (and chance) of getting your money back varies depending on the payment method you used.\r\n\r\nPayPal\r\nDebit card/Credit card\r\nBank transfer\r\nWire transfer\r\nGoogle Pay\r\nBitcoin\r\n\r\nPayPal\r\nIf you used PayPal, you have a strong chance of getting your money back if you were scammed. On their website, you can file a dispute within 180 calendar days of your purchase.\r\nConditions to file a dispute:\r\n\r\nThe simplest situation is that you ordered from an online store and it has not arrived. In this case this is what PayPal states: \"If your order never shows up and the seller can't provide proof of shipment or delivery, you'll get a full refund. It's that simple.\"\r\nThe scammer has sent you a completely different item. For example, you ordered a PlayStation 4, but instead received only a Playstation controller. \r\nThe condition of the item was misrepresented on the product page. This could be the ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":true}]}}],"meta":{"title":"Top Christmas Scams: Amazon, Best Buy, NHS, PayPal, DHL, USPS, and MORE!","description":"Check if a website is a scam website or a legit website. ScamAdviser helps identify if a webshop is fraudulent or infected with malware, or conducts phishing, fraud, scam and spam activities. Use our free trust and site review 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Top Christmas Scams: Amazon, Best Buy, NHS, PayPal, DHL, USPS, and MORE!

Scam Alerts

#Phishing & Identity Theft #Giveaway Scams

Author: Trend Micro

January 3, 2022

This article is from Trend Micro.

Fake giveaways, gift cards, and COVID pass scams… the scammers are doing everything they can to take the magic out of Christmas! Check out the hot scams of the week and see how many of them you’ve spotted!

Christmas Giveaway Scams

With Christmas being the season of giving, most brands and companies hold giveaway campaigns and sales. However, scammers impersonate these brands and send you fake messages with phishing links, trying to trick you into clicking on them to claim gifts that don’t even exist.

The phishing links lead to fake online survey pages that state you can claim a gift by completing an online questionnaire. After you fill out the survey, you are prompted to enter personal information, such as credit card numbers, before your “gift” can be delivered.

The scammers’ ultimate goal is to steal your information — they will record sensitive information you enter on these fake pages and use the data to commit cybercrimes: e.g., hack into your bank account, withdraw money, or steal your identity. Don’t let them!

This week we’ve found 3 Christmas giveaway scams:

1. Amazon – iPhone 11 Scam

We’ve seen Amazon anniversary scams and giveaway scams before, and now a new Christmas version has been circulating via WhatsApp:

Source: Twitter

The link leads to a fake Amazon survey page. After you fill it out, you are asked to share the link to your WhatsApp contacts and submit personal information. (Don’t do it!)

Source: Twitter

2. Best Buy – iPhone 13 Scam

Fake Best Buy iPhone 13 text messages have been popular for weeks, but now scammers have added some extra bits to them to make them Christmassy:

Your cell carrier’s saying, MERRY CHRlSTMAS with an earIy compIimentary upgr@de, to the lphone13 <URL>

Again, the attached link will lead you to a fake online survey page, and you could eventually have your personal information exposed. Be careful!

3. Sam’s Club – iPad Pro Scam

Last week we reported on Sam’s Club email scams, and we recently spotted a text message version that says Sam’s Club is giving away $250, and that you need to click a link to activate it:

CHRlSTMAS lS HERE! Sams C|ub’s giving you a (1) year membership & $25O. Must be ACTlVATED by 12/18 <URL>

Note: Please don’t submit any credentials here! You will never receive the promised iPad, and scammers will have all your credit card details and use them for their own good.

Remember, NEVER clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources is the key to staying safe online. You can use Trend Micro Check to combat scams with ease (it’s 100% FREE):

http://

Trend Micro Check is an all-in-one browser extension for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links – and it’s FREE!

After you’ve pinned Trend Micro Check, it will block dangerous sites automatically! It is now available on Safari, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.

Check out this page for more information on Trend Micro Check.

NHS COVID Pass Phishing Scam

As the impact of COVID-19 is on the rise again, scams about the COVID-19 vaccine, PCR tests, and health passports are back and circulating widely. Last week many people have received fake text messages from the National Health Service (NHS) that falsely claim you can apply for a COVID-19 vaccination passport online through the phishing link they provide:

NHS: You’re now eligible to get your NHS COVID pass. You could be fined if you don’t apply. Please visit nhs[.]digital-get-pass[.]com to apply for your pass.

Source: Reddit and Twitter

The link will take you to a fake NHS login page where you are required to enter your name as well as other personal information to apply for your (fake) COVID vaccination passport. Guess what? Scammers can record your credentials and use them for identity theft. Don’t fall for it!

Gift Card / Rewards Survey Scams via Email

Besides text messages, scammers also use emails to spread fake survey campaigns. They guarantee you gift cards or rewards or ask you to check shipment details, luring you to click on phishing links that lead to fake online survey pages where you could end up exposing your sensitive credentials.

1. PayPal Christmas Gift Card Scams

“Congratulations! Win a $750 PayPal Prepaid Card Christmas Survey.” Did you receive this email from “PayPal”? Don’t click on anything!

2. DHL Shipment Phishing Email

“Your package is waiting!

USPS Lottery Scam

Who wants a Samsung Galaxy ZFold for Christmas? Well, if you do, please be extra careful and don’t fall for this fake USPS lottery email! Scammers falsely claim that you can get a prize if you fill out the survey. Sound familiar? We know what will happen if you click on the button — scammers will steal your personal information!

How to protect yourself

Double-check the sender’s mobile number/email address.
Free gifts or prizes are always a major red flag.
NEVER click links or attachments from unknown sources. Use Trend Micro Check to combat scams with ease! (It’s 100% FREE).
Don’t forget to add an extra layer of protection to your device with Trend Micro Maximum Security! It includes Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection to help you combat scams and cyberattacks. Click the button below to give it a try:

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Get Trend Micro Check. It's free

As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.

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