
16 Dec Holiday Cybercrime: What You Need to Know About Hacking, Identity Theft, and Online Fraud
The holiday season is a time for family, festivity, and, of course, some online shopping. But as Australians in NSW and QLD flock to grab online deals, cybercriminals are also hard at work, eager to pounce on any vulnerability. Online fraud, identity theft, and hacking are particularly rampant during this season, when many of us let our guard down while rushing to secure that last-minute gift. At FEDOROV Family Lawyers, we believe in spreading holiday cheer without the fear, so let’s take a look at common holiday cybercrime tactics and share our best advice for staying safe.
Hacking and Holiday Hijinks
Around this time of year, hackers know people are more likely to be busy, distracted, and perhaps not as vigilant about their cybersecurity. In fact, they’re counting on it. Hacking can take many forms, from phishing scams that try to trick you into revealing sensitive information to malware designed to steal your login credentials. With the rise of “social engineering” (tricking people into providing access or information), it’s never been easier for criminals to access your data.
A common scheme involves fake emails from well-known stores. You might get a message that says, “Your Order Has Shipped!” – but you don’t recall placing that order. If you click the link, it could lead you to a fake website designed to capture your login details or install malware on your device. This scam is especially effective around the holidays when we’re all expecting packages, sometimes forgetting exactly what we’ve ordered. It’s tempting to check, but beware: that link might be the ticket to handing over sensitive data to a scammer.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify links – Always check the sender’s email address carefully. Legitimate businesses don’t send emails from generic Gmail or random addresses.
- Be cautious with links and attachments – If you get an unsolicited email from a store, don’t click on the links. Instead, visit the store’s website directly by typing in the URL.
- Use two-factor authentication – Enable it on all accounts where it’s available, especially email and banking. It’s an added layer of security if someone does manage to get your login information.
Identity Theft: The Gift that Keeps Taking
Identity theft has been around for a long time, but digital identity theft is more sophisticated and subtle. The problem with holiday shopping is that we’re often spreading our information across multiple websites, and if one of them isn’t secure, your details could fall into the wrong hands.
One increasingly common method is “formjacking,” where criminals inject malicious code into a checkout page on a legitimate website. When you enter your card information, it’s immediately sent to the hacker, who then has your payment details and other sensitive information.
Once a criminal has enough of your details, they can start making purchases or even open accounts in your name. With your financial and personal details, they can do everything from buying luxury items to taking out loans in your name. And if you’ve ever tried to unwind the mess of identity theft, you know it’s not a simple task. In some cases, it can take months to clear your name and restore your credit score.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online shopping – Credit cards offer better fraud protection, and it’s easier to dispute charges if your information is stolen.
- Monitor your bank accounts regularly – Don’t wait for monthly statements. Many banks have apps that allow you to set up alerts for transactions. This way, you can quickly spot any unauthorised activity.
- Be mindful of social media – It might seem harmless to post a holiday photo with your boarding pass or shopping receipt, but criminals can use even small bits of information to build a profile on you.
Online Fraud: Not the Kind of Surprise You Want This Season
Online fraud can take many shapes, but during the holidays, a few tactics tend to pop up more often. Fake retail websites, for example, often appear offering deals that seem too good to be true—and usually, they are. These websites might sell counterfeit goods or, worse, just take your money and disappear without delivering anything.
Other online scams include fake charities soliciting donations. While Australians are generous, especially around the holidays, fraudsters will take advantage of this by setting up fake charities or impersonating real ones. If you’re considering donating, make sure the organisation is legitimate before parting with your cash.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Research retailers and charities – If you’re buying from a new online store, read reviews or check forums to ensure it’s legitimate. Use the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s (ACNC) register to verify charities.
- Use secure payment methods – Stick to trusted payment platforms, such as PayPal, rather than entering your card details directly. Most legitimate websites will allow you to use these secure methods.
- Check for secure website indicators – Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon. This shows the site has SSL encryption, making it harder for hackers to intercept your information.
Cybercrime in NSW and QLD: What You Need to Know
For those in NSW and QLD, cybercrime laws have come a long way. Both states treat identity theft and online fraud as serious offences with penalties that can include imprisonment. In NSW, for instance, identity theft can be prosecuted under section 192J of the Crimes Act 1900, and online fraud under the Criminal Code Act 1995. Similarly, QLD takes a hard stance on cybercrime, with specific penalties outlined in the Criminal Code Act 1899.
If you find yourself a victim, report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or your local police, who can guide you through the steps to mitigate the damage and begin recovery.
Wrapping it Up Safely
The holidays should be a time of joy, not a time to deal with cybercrime headaches. While the rise in digital activity brings a few added risks, a little extra caution can keep your season merry and bright. By following these simple steps, you can reduce your exposure to cybercriminals’ tricks and avoid unpleasant surprises.
At FEDOROV Family Lawyers, we’re here to protect your rights, not just in the physical world but in the digital one, too. So, keep calm, click carefully, and enjoy a safe, cybercrime-free holiday!