Stay Scam-Free This Festive Season: Sophos’ Tips For A Safe Chinese New Year

As the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations draw near, Sophos has raised concerns over a spike in scams targeting individuals and businesses in Malaysia. The National Scam Response Centre Malaysia reported that Malaysians lost a staggering RM1.34 billion to online scams in 2023, with the festive season often heightening the risks. Scammers are expected to ramp up their tactics, exploiting the generosity and online activity associated with the celebrations.

Sophos has outlined common scams to watch out for and provided tips on how to protect yourself:

1. Fake E-Red Packet Scam
Scammers are targeting the tradition of giving red packets, particularly through digital means. Cybercriminals may send phishing messages with fake e-red packet links, leading to malware infections or stolen personal data. To stay safe, always use secure payment platforms and verify URLs before clicking any links.

2. Online Shopping Scams
Fraudsters often exploit festive shopping habits by promoting counterfeit deals through phishing emails or deceptive websites. They lure victims with exaggerated discounts and time-sensitive offers. Sophos advises shopping on reputable websites and ensuring the site uses ‘https’ for secure transactions.

3. Fake Delivery Notifications
With increased online shopping, fake delivery notifications are a common scam. These phishing attempts aim to trick individuals into clicking harmful links. It’s essential to verify delivery details through official apps or websites rather than email links.

4. Pig-Butchering Scam
Pig-butchering scams use social media to build trust with victims before encouraging investments in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Sophos warns against unsolicited messages and recommends enabling two-factor authentication on social media accounts to reduce the risk.

Sophos urges Malaysians to remain vigilant this Chinese New Year to avoid falling victim to these scams and enjoy the celebrations without fear.

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