December 29, 2025

📰 The Consumer Cyber Sentinel: Your Digital Defense Report 🛡️

Date: Monday, December 29, 2025

Good morning! As we head into the final days of the year, the digital world is buzzing. Whether you’re snagging post-holiday deals or planning a New Year’s getaway, here is what you need to know to stay safe online today.

🚓Top Cybersecurity News (For Everyone)

The "Failed Delivery" Flood: With holiday returns in full swing, there has been a massive spike in "failed delivery" text messages. Scammers are pretending to be major couriers, asking you to click a link to "reschedule" a package. The catch: These links often lead to fake sites designed to steal your credit card info.  How to Avoid Package Delivery Scams 

Travel Booking Red Alerts: Security experts are warning of a rise in fake "last-minute" hotel and flight deals on social media. These ads look professional but lead to "ghost" booking sites. If a New Year’s Eve luxury suite is listed at 80% off, it’s likely a scam.  Booking Last Minute Travel Deals? Beware Of AI Scams 

New "Stolen Device" Protections: Both Apple and Google have recently enhanced their "Stolen Device Protection" features. These updates make it much harder for a thief to change your account settings even if they know your passcode, by requiring a biological check (like FaceID) and a one-hour delay for major security changes.  Recognize and avoid social engineering schemes including phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams 

AI Voice Scams on the Rise: Scammers are increasingly using "voice cloning" to mimic family members in distress. If you get a call from a loved one asking for emergency money via gift cards or wire transfers, hang up and call them back on their known number to verify it’s actually them.  AI voice scams are on the rise. Here's how to protect yourself. 

🚧Scams & Threats Now Circulating

The "Refund Adjustment" Email: You receive an email claiming you were overcharged for a recent holiday purchase and are owed a $50 refund. How it works: To "claim" the money, you’re asked to log in to a fake version of a popular retailer's site, giving the scammers your username and password.  Did you receive a text or email offering you a REFUND? Don’t fall for it. It’s a scam! 

The "Hi Mom/Dad" WhatsApp Scam: A message from an unknown number says, "Hi Mom, my phone broke, this is my new number." How it works: Once they build trust, they’ll ask for money for a "new phone" or an "urgent bill."  “Hi Mom” text scam: How to spot a fake message 

Subscription Renewal Alerts: Emails claiming your antivirus or streaming service subscription has expired and will auto-renew at a high price unless you call a number. How it works: The "support agent" on the phone will try to gain remote access to your computer to "fix" the issue. Subscription Renewal Scams Are Another Way to Steal Your Identity 

🚨 What You Should Do Today

Update Your Devices: Take five minutes to check for software updates on your phone, laptop, and tablet. These updates often include "patches" that fix newly discovered security holes.

Audit Your "Post-Holiday" Accounts: If you created new accounts on various websites to buy gifts, consider deleting the ones you won't use again or, at the very least, removing your saved credit card information.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure your email and banking apps require a second step to log in (like a code sent to your phone). This is the single best way to stop a hacker.

Set Up a "Family Code Word": Talk to your family today and agree on a secret word or phrase. If someone calls claiming to be a family member in trouble, ask for the code word to verify their identity.

🗻Quick Cyber Tip Widget

Quick Tip: Use a long, unique passphrase (like Purple-Mountain-Hiking-2025!) for your email account instead of a simple password to keep your digital "front door" locked tight.