BRITS are being warned about dangerous Easter scams – including a bizarre con that involves “chocolate bunnies”.
A top security pro told The Sun that to expect an “uptick” in attacks on innocent gadget owners over the Bank Holiday weekend.
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While you’re tucking into a well-deserved Easter egg, criminals might be trying to break into your bank.
“The rush of online transactions creates a perfect storm of opportunities for attackers, leaving consumers and their data at risk,” said security expert Anne Cutler, speaking to The Sun.
She warned that these crooks are now using AI to roll out scams faster than ever – and Easter is a prime time for fake deals.
“Ultimately, if a deal seems too good to be true (think ‘free’ chocolate bunnies or Easter eggs) or a business suddenly demands unusual payment methods, take a step back,” said Anne, a cyber-expert at Keeper Security.
“Verify details on the company’s official website or contact them directly before making any commitments.
“Businesses should clearly list official websites, contact details and social media accounts so customers know where to find real information.”
She warned Brits that “scepticism is key”.
It’s easy to get caught up in a tempting holiday freebie.
Sometimes this sees crooks posing as official brands – but they might appear to come from regular people or random social media pages too.
Anne described social media as a “breeding ground for scams” during holidays like Easter.
“One popular social media scam is the fake giveaway, often promising extravagant prizes,” she told The Sun.
“While some contests are legitimate, there are some fake promotions that will be leveraged to collect personal information or small ‘processing’ fees.
“A good rule of thumb to remember is if a giveaway asks for payment, it’s likely a scam.”
She also recommended that Brits use “burner email accounts” to contact websites.
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That way, if the website is just a data-harvesting exercise, you haven’t exposed your real email address.
Anne told The Sun that if you think you’ve been successfully targeted by scammers, you’ll need to act fast.
That means changing your passwords immediately – and not to any old rubbish either.
“Make sure that these passwords are strong and contain a mix of letters, numbers and special characters,” the cyber-expert explained.
NINE EASTER SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Here’s what Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4, told The Sun…
- Fake Online Shopping Deals
Fraudulent websites offering “too good to be true” Easter deals on chocolates, gifts, or holiday packages.
Security tip: Stick to reputable retailers and be wary of deals that seem unrealistic. - Phishing Emails and SMS
Messages claiming to be from banks, retailers, or delivery services about Easter-related transactions or deliveries.
Security Tip: Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or texts. Go directly to official websites or apps instead. Don’t give away any codes you may receive from your bank to anyone, either on the phone or in person. - Bogus Charity Appeals
Fake charities soliciting donations for Easter causes.
Security tip: Verify charities through official channels before donating. Be cautious of high-pressure tactics. - Social Media Giveaways
Fake competitions or giveaways asking for personal information or small “processing fees”.
Security tip: Be skeptical of giveaways, especially those requiring you to share personal details or pay any amount. - Travel Scams
Fraudulent holiday packages or accommodation deals for the Easter break.
Security tip: Book through reputable travel agencies or directly with known hotels. Research thoroughly before making payments. - Easter E-card Malware
Malicious software disguised as Easter e-cards or greetings.
Security tip: Be cautious about opening e-cards from unknown senders or clicking on attachments. - Subscription Traps
Free trials for Easter-themed services that automatically convert to paid subscriptions.
Security tip: Read terms carefully, set reminders to cancel if necessary, and monitor your bank statements. - Fake Vouchers and Coupons
Counterfeit discount codes or vouchers for popular Easter items or experiences.
Security tip: Obtain vouchers directly from official retailer websites or apps. - Investment Scams
Fraudulent investment opportunities themed around Easter or spring “growth”.
Security tip: Be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, especially those promising high returns.
Picture Credit: Javvad Malik / KnowBe4
“Consider signing up for a password manager to easily and securely create and store strong passwords.”
She added: “Additionally, monitor your bank and credit card statements closely throughout the Easter holidays, and year-round.
“So any suspicious charges can be caught and addressed quickly.”
