TL;DR: The first two to three weeks of January see a reliable jump in phishing volume, as inboxes fill with return-to-work catch-up emails and people are less likely to scrutinize each one closely. Slow down before clicking links in any 'urgent' work email, and verify unexpected password-reset requests directly with IT through a known internal channel rather than the email itself.
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The first two to three weeks of January see a reliable jump in phishing volume, as inboxes fill with return-to-work catch-up emails and people are less likely to scrutinize each one closely.
How the Scam Plays Out
Phishing emails impersonate internal IT, HR, or common workplace tools with an urgent password-reset or account-verification request, counting on the post-holiday email backlog to lower normal caution.
How to Protect Yourself
Slow down before clicking links in any 'urgent' work email, and verify unexpected password-reset requests directly with IT through a known internal channel rather than the email itself.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading March Madness Betting App Scams.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Memorial Day and Labor Day Sale Scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this typically happen?
The first two to three weeks of January see a reliable jump in phishing volume, as inboxes fill with return-to-work catch-up emails and people are less likely to scrutinize each one closely.
What tactics are used?
Phishing emails impersonate internal IT, HR, or common workplace tools with an urgent password-reset or account-verification request, counting on the post-holiday email backlog to lower normal caution.
How can I protect myself?
Slow down before clicking links in any 'urgent' work email, and verify unexpected password-reset requests directly with IT through a known internal channel rather than the email itself.
What should I do if I’ve already been targeted?
Stop all payments immediately, contact your bank or card issuer to see if a transaction can be reversed or flagged, and report the incident to the appropriate consumer protection body.