E-greeting card scams are phishing attacks that disguise malware or malicious links as festive e-cards. They are especially common during holidays. These include Diwali, Christmas, and New Year. Therefore, be extra vigilant during festive seasons. Clicking on a fake e-card link can install malware, steal your passwords, or redirect you to fraudulent websites. Here is how to protect yourself.
What Is an E-Greeting Card Scam?
In this scam, criminals send emails, SMS, or social media messages claiming that someone has sent you a greeting card and prompting you to click a link to view it. The link either leads to a malware-infected page or a spoofed website that captures your personal information. The fake card may impersonate legitimate e-card services. This is similar to text message scams with links but specifically targets victims during emotionally significant occasions.
How Do E-Greeting Card Scams Work?
- You receive an email with a subject like “Your friend has sent you a wedding card” or “A secret admirer sent you a message”
- The sender’s name appears legitimate or familiar
- The email contains a link or attachment to the “card”
- Clicking the link can install malware. Therefore, it also redirects you to an exploitative website
- The malware may steal passwords, harvest banking credentials, or give hackers remote access to your device
How to Identify a Fake E-Greeting Card?
- Generic subject line and sender — Real friends personalise messages. “A friend sent you a card” with no name is a warning sign.
- Spelling and grammar errors — Poorly written emails with unusual phrasing are a common indicator of fraud.
- Also, suspicious URL — Hover over the link before clicking — if it does not go to a recognised e-card service domain, do not click.
- Furthermore, attachment instead of a link — Legitimate e-card services send links to their website, not downloadable attachments.
- Additionally, any request to download something — Any e-card that requires you to download software or a media player should be deleted immediately.
How to Avoid E-Greeting Card Scams?
- First, never open unexpected attachments — Legitimate e-cards are links to a company’s website, not downloadable files.
- Also, delete suspicious e-cards — If the sender is unknown, the subject line is generic, or the URL looks unusual, delete it immediately without clicking.
- Moreover, verify with the sender — If you are unsure, contact the supposed sender through a separate channel (phone call or a different message) to confirm they sent you a card.
- Use security software — Keep antivirus and anti-malware software updated. Some tools can block malicious websites before you land on them.
- Do not trust logos — Criminals can easily copy official logos to make phishing emails appear authentic. Logo presence alone does not verify legitimacy.
How to Report E-Greeting Card Scams in India?
- Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Lodge an FIR at your nearest cyber crime police station if data or money was compromised
If you clicked on a fake e-card and suspect malware has been installed, contact cyber expert Anuraag Singh for immediate device assessment and incident response.
