BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Cyber security experts warn shoppers to be careful online because you might be a click away from a holiday nightmare.
In your cluttered inbox, could be a gift from a grinch.
"My thing is be aware," says Duane Dunston, Champlain College cyber security instructor,
Dunston says criminals think this is the perfect time of year to attack people online.
"They just don't pay attention. They're just unaware to what they're doing," says Dunston.
Dunston says the biggest problem is a bogus email that appears to be from a well known company, maybe even one you have shopped or banked with.
"Whenever you receive an email, regardless of who it is from, if it's from your bank stating they had a problem with your transaction, call your bank or visit the website yourself. Don't click on any links you receive in email," says Dunston.
That link could mean trouble, from a virus being downloaded onto your computer to your personal information being stolen. Dunston has simple advice if you receive an email from a company.
"Just go to site itself. Take a little extra time. It's well worth it considering what could happen to you," says Dunston.
Another concern this year is people online trying to take advantage of the Newtown tragedy.
Dunston says there have been reports already of fake charities.
