WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) today released an advisory highlighting tips for keeping consumers safe from cyber and online fraud during the holiday season. . Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, cyber fraud and scams have increased significantly, and the holiday shopping season often sees an increase in such crimes. To help avoid falling victim to scams while on vacation, the advisory outlines steps individuals can take to protect themselves.
This holiday season, OCCIP is calling on Americans to stay vigilant, be proactive, and respond quickly when scammers and scammers target you.
“Consumers should remember: You are in control. If it seems too good to be, it might be.Take the time to think, research, and talk to someone you trust.Buy a product or pay for a service right away. Don’t pressure me to pay or anything, legitimate companies and people will give you time to make a decision.”
In this advisory, OCCIP details some tips consumers should follow to avoid being scammed. The advisory also includes steps victims of fraud can take to mitigate damages and losses.
A copy of the OCCIP advisory can be found here. In addition, Federal Trade Commission guidance can be found at his [email protected] and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) here.
