FBI warns people to be aware of potential cybercrime when surfing the web [Video]

SPRINGFIELD (WGEM) – As the holiday season nears, many people will turn to the internet to buy their gifts. It’s also a great place for scammers and other cybercriminals to take advantage of them.

FBI Springfield Special Agent Justin Smet said there are a few easy things people can do to protect themselves.

He said a common threat is phishing emails. People send emails with links and/or attachments that contain malware, which can give them access to your computer and potential private information stored on it.

Many phishing emails can come from senders who are posing as reputable companies including stores and online shopping sites, which can make it very easy to deceive people.

“I always recommend going around the email versus through the email,” Smet said. “And what I mean by that is instead of using the email to use that clink, contact that phone number, click that attachment, …