The holidays are a time for joy, but also a prime time for cybercriminals. Protecting yourself is crucial. This article examines recent legislation and law enforcement actions in California to combat holiday cybercrimes.

Table of Contents:

• California’s Measures Against Holiday Cyber Crimes
  • Gift Card Scams
  • Online Shopping Fraud
  • Charity Scams
  • Data Breaches and Increased Risk
• What To Do If You’re a Victim of Cyber Crime
• Conclusion

California’s Measures Against Holiday Cyber Crimes

Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are popular presents, but also a favorite tool for scammers. The California Department of Justice warns about “gift card draining.”

Thieves steal PINs from unpurchased cards. When someone buys the card, the criminal drains the funds.

To fight this, California law enforcement increases retail security. Always check gift cards for tampering before buying. Consider purchasing from reputable retailers who may have added security features or offer financial services to deter these crimes from happening in the first place. During this holiday season, use extra precaution when purchasing gift cards, especially for high dollar amounts or within the financial services industry. Avoid locations where security protocols may have lapsed and make sure all purchased cards have funds remaining prior to use.

Online Shopping Fraud

Deals that seem “too good to be true” usually are. This includes fake websites mimicking real retailers or unbelievable offers. Credit card purchases allow for improved fraud detection features. During the holiday season in Los Angeles and across the state, vigilance and protection against these types of crimes will go a long way towards keeping your hard earned cash and personally identifiable information protected from credit card scams and fraudulent activity online, at home, and while using mobile financial technologies.

The FBI warns about “puppy scams” involving fake pet ads. Phishing attacks also increase during the holidays.

These emails seem legitimate, but the links send you to dangerous websites. Cybercriminals steal your information there. Another concerning trend is criminals’ increased use of AI.

As The Hacker News reports, criminals are using AI tools to attack retailers. The California Attorney General’s Office suggests sticking to reputable websites. Using a credit card offers more protection than cash or cryptocurrency under California law.

Charity Scams

Charity scams increase during the holidays. These scams look real and often impersonate well-known charities.

The FBI and the California Department of Justice are working to shut down these fake charities. They investigate and arrest the offenders.

The FBI advises verifying any charity before donating. Check through organizations like Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Many such fraudulent schemes pop up to exploit generous feelings towards those less fortunate as the year winds to a close.

Data Breaches and Increased Risk

The holiday rush creates vulnerabilities. The Ohio Lottery’s 2023 Christmas Eve cyberattack highlighted these dangers. Many victims of this incident involving a group called “Dragonforce Ransomware” impacting hundreds of thousands on Christmas Eve alone continue to face challenges and ramifications in its aftermath a full year later, so vigilance in reviewing the news of these incidents serves as an important reminder of personal cyber safety and protection protocols.

IT Governance research shows that December 2023 saw over two billion records compromised in data breaches. This is significantly higher than November’s numbers.

Security Magazine highlighted increased scam domain registrations. These fake websites try to trick holiday shoppers. ICS warns of fake e-commerce sites.

Cyber Monday sales often exceed Black Friday’s. However, both days saw significant losses in prior years due to online fraud. The shift to online shopping during the pandemic has increased the opportunities for cyber criminals and California has created programs designed to protect individuals against holiday cybercrimes. Press releases and news articles have begun appearing that raise consumer awareness around scams during this high-traffic shopping time of year and promote safety practices that include securing student loan information to prevent fraudulent access by third parties through digital mediums.

California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) warns about increased cybersecurity risks during the holidays. Criminals aim to obtain personal information for identity theft. They may also target business secrets.

What To Do If You’re a Victim of Cyber Crime

If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast. Contact your financial services provider or financial advisor immediately.

Next, report the crime:

• Report it to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• File a complaint with The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Call your local law enforcement.

If your Social Security number was stolen, visit IdentityTheft.gov. Review your financial statements. Close and change affected accounts. Consider increasing your cyber protection through reputable cybersecurity firms. Take advantage of security programs offered by major technology providers such as IBM or other financial institutions during these vulnerable holiday seasons. During holiday seasons, where technology and personal interactions merge for information sharing around gift buying using various media including the latest tech innovations, make sure to implement these and any other cyber protection steps or advice from financial services firms to safeguard yourself against online criminals. You and your families are often specifically targeted due to this period’s high spending activity that gives rise to higher cybercrime attempts via financial technology during these times, so your diligence and use of credit unions and financial advisors may come in handy when attempting to stop criminal cyber attacks of this type before they happen.

Conclusion

California has measures against holiday cybercrimes, but vigilance is still your best defense. By being aware of common scams and taking precautions, you can protect yourself. Understanding both individual solutions and financial institution support is essential. Credit unions, banks, and regulated industries can offer valuable resources.

Protecting yourself from cybercrime during the holidays is crucial, especially with increased online shopping and the use of financial technology. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy a safe and secure holiday season.