The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection (OCCIP) has issued a consumer advisory to help individuals avoid cyber fraud during the holiday shopping season. The advisory outlines steps consumers can take to protect themselves from scams, which have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in billions of dollars in losses annually.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for OCCIP Todd Conklin stated, "The U.S. Department of the Treasury urges consumers to stay vigilant against the increasing threat of online cyber scams and fraud." He emphasized the importance of being cautious with unsolicited messages on platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram, and advised against rushing into purchases or payments.

The OCCIP advisory provides several tips for avoiding scams and offers guidance for those who may become victims. It acknowledges an uptick in fraud and cybercrime during the holiday season and aims to mitigate damages for consumers.

For further information, consumers can access the OCCIP advisory. Additional resources include guidance from the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).