Beware of holiday Internet invitations

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Internet security expert is warning residents that your computer's inbox may expose you to hazards of the holiday season.

Robert Siciliano of McAfee said "bad guys" may send malware or malicious applications that are hidden as Christmas cards, holiday messages or holiday-themed screensavers. You, as the recipient, may not even know anything improper has been downloaded. 

The sender may use the download "to spy on you," Siciliano told 24-Hour News 8. This may also be a phishing expedition, designed to get you to reveal personal information.

One prominent scam, these days, comes in the form of invitations to be a Mystery Shopper. Siciliano said the offers will sound real. 

They may even put you in touch with a real person – and then ask for money.

"There are very few of these mystery shopper-type of legitimate offerings. Again, it's a scam designed to fleece you out of your hard-earned cash," he said.

You might also receive email messages claiming to report improper charges on your credit card. During the holiday travel season, these e-mails might appear to come from a hotel. They might say: click on this link to get your money back. That could be another way for a computer crook to insert malware into your computer or gain access to your account information.

"Nothing good can come out of clicking on links in a phishing e-mail," Siciliano said. "I always suggest that people hit delete."