Kaspersky warns of surge in Chinese New Year scams

As Chinese New Year 2025 approaches, cybersecurity specialists at Kaspersky have identified a surge in fraudulent websites seeking to exploit the festive occasion.

These deceptive sites present discounted gifts, enticing potential buyers with apparently appealing offers, only to collect payments without delivering any goods, leaving consumers defrauded.

One such scheme discovered by Kaspersky involved a fraudulent website promoting gift cards and other items associated with the current year's symbol, the snake. This cyber fraud preys on the urgency felt by consumers during the holiday period, prompting quick transactions. After payments are made, the scammers abscond with the funds, affecting unsuspecting buyers worldwide.

In another instance, Kaspersky found scammers using out-of-date marketing tactics. One fake site continued to advertise decorations linked to last year's Chinese New Year symbol, the dragon, featuring items like lanterns, DIY crafts, stamps, and masks at attractive prices to lure potential victims.

"Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide, and its growing popularity makes it an attractive target for scammers," explained Olga Svistunova, a Security Expert at Kaspersky. "Cybercriminals are quick to exploit global trends, preying on consumer enthusiasm and the festive spirit. To stay safe and avoid disappointment, it's essential for users to pay close attention to details, verify the authenticity of online stores, and be cautious of deals that seem unusually generous – they are often designed to deceive."

Kaspersky has issued several recommendations to help consumers avoid falling prey to these scams. They advise verifying the authenticity of websites by checking URLs, domain names, and customer reviews before proceeding with any purchases online. Additionally, consumers should be wary of unsolicited offers, as scammers frequently employ pop-ups, ads, or phishing emails to direct users to fraudulent sites.

Furthermore, Kaspersky recommends not sharing personal information unless on secure and verified platforms. Employing comprehensive security solutions, such as their own Kaspersky Premium, can also aid in blocking phishing sites and preventing malware infections.