Kaspersky has detected numerous phishing and malicious campaigns targeting gift card users and individuals seeking digital gifts for loved ones. Experts warn that cybercriminals exploit popular brands to create fake online stores or counterfeit verification portals designed to steal gift card balances.
“Balance Check” Scams
Recent studies show scammers design seemingly “secure” websites for checking gift card validity or balances, targeting recipients of new gift cards to capture their card data and activate it before the legitimate owner. Kaspersky emphasizes that the safest way to check a card’s balance is via the official brand website, avoiding any external links.
Risks During Shopping Seasons
With increased online shopping during sales events, cybercriminals actively monitor opportunities to exploit consumers. Kaspersky researchers uncovered a fake website mimicking Amazon offering a $200 gift card. Clicking the offer installed a malicious MSI program that allowed attackers to control the victim’s device remotely, highlighting the dangers of fake e-commerce platforms.
Importance of Advanced Cybersecurity
Kaspersky Premium protects users from fraudulent online stores using advanced technology to analyze website features and URLs to detect suspicious patterns. Kaspersky Premium received the AV-Comparatives “Approved” certification for 2025, making it a reliable choice for secure online shopping.
Expert Tips to Avoid Scams
Anton Yatsenko, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, stated: “During occasions like Valentine’s Day, cybercriminals intensify efforts to exploit emotional buying behavior. The best defense is to shop with trusted retailers, carefully verify website URLs, and use advanced security solutions with phishing detection. Always remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Study Methodology
The survey was conducted in November 2025 by Kaspersky’s Market Research Center, with 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including Egypt, Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Kaspersky has detected numerous phishing and malicious campaigns targeting gift card users and individuals seeking digital gifts for loved ones. Experts warn that cybercriminals exploit popular brands to create fake online stores or counterfeit verification portals designed to steal gift card balances.
“Balance Check” Scams
Recent studies show scammers design seemingly “secure” websites for checking gift card validity or balances, targeting recipients of new gift cards to capture their card data and activate it before the legitimate owner. Kaspersky emphasizes that the safest way to check a card’s balance is via the official brand website, avoiding any external links.
Risks During Shopping Seasons
With increased online shopping during sales events, cybercriminals actively monitor opportunities to exploit consumers. Kaspersky researchers uncovered a fake website mimicking Amazon offering a $200 gift card. Clicking the offer installed a malicious MSI program that allowed attackers to control the victim’s device remotely, highlighting the dangers of fake e-commerce platforms.
Importance of Advanced Cybersecurity
Kaspersky Premium protects users from fraudulent online stores using advanced technology to analyze website features and URLs to detect suspicious patterns. Kaspersky Premium received the AV-Comparatives “Approved” certification for 2025, making it a reliable choice for secure online shopping.
Expert Tips to Avoid Scams
Anton Yatsenko, Lead Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, stated: “During occasions like Valentine’s Day, cybercriminals intensify efforts to exploit emotional buying behavior. The best defense is to shop with trusted retailers, carefully verify website URLs, and use advanced security solutions with phishing detection. Always remember: if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Study Methodology
The survey was conducted in November 2025 by Kaspersky’s Market Research Center, with 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including Egypt, Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
