What used to be a cheerful way to send warm wishes has now become a gateway for cybercriminals. E-cards — those colorful digital greetings shared via emails or messaging apps — are increasingly being weaponized by scammers. Disguised as festive messages or heartfelt notes, these cards can trick recipients into clicking malicious links, unknowingly compromising their devices and exposing sensitive information.
What Are E-Card Scams?
E-card scams are fraudulent digital greeting cards sent via email, SMS, or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The scam typically starts with a message that says, “You’ve received a card!” or “Someone special sent you a greeting.” The link directs users to what appears to be a legitimate e-card website — but in reality, it’s a trap.
Once clicked, the link may:
Install malware on your device
Redirect to phishing pages designed to steal personal information
Trick you into entering sensitive data, such as banking credentials or OTPs
Trigger downloads of ransomware or keyloggers to monitor your activities
How E-Card Scams Work
1. The Bait – Emotional Appeal
Scammers play on emotions by disguising their messages as greetings for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or festivals. They use phrases like:
“You have a secret admirer!”
“A friend sent you a card!”
“Open this Diwali card before midnight!”
These appeals spark curiosity and make people more likely to click impulsively.
2. Fake Sender Names
To build trust, scammers may spoof or forge the sender’s name, making it appear as though the card came from someone you know. In some cases, they even access hacked email accounts to send e-cards from real contacts.
3. Dangerous Redirects
Instead of linking to a legitimate e-card site like 123Greetings or Blue Mountain, the link takes you to a fake website designed to look authentic. The site might:
Prompt you to download a “player” to view the card (which is malware)
Ask for login credentials to “confirm your identity”
Automatically install spyware or viruses
4. Stealth Attacks
In more advanced scams, malware gets installed silently in the background while you view the fake e-card. You might not even know anything is wrong — until your bank account is drained or personal files are locked behind ransomware.
Real-Life Incidents
E-card scams have been on the rise, especially during holiday seasons or festivals:
In 2023, cybersecurity firms reported a spike in phishing campaigns using Valentine’s Day and Diwali e-cards.
In one case, users in India received “Raksha Bandhan greetings” containing a WhatsApp link. Once opened, it prompted them to download a rogue app that stole SMS and OTPs.
Another instance involved corporate emails — employees received “holiday greetings” that led to credential harvesting and internal system breaches.
Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam E-Card
Even the most convincing scam messages usually leave clues. Watch for these red flags:
✅ Check the Sender’s Email or Phone Number
Look for misspellings, unfamiliar domains (e.g., “greetings-fre.com” instead of “123greetings.com”), or country codes that don’t match your contacts.
✅ Hover Over Links (On Desktop)
Before clicking, hover over the link to preview the destination URL. Scam links often look messy or suspicious (e.g., shortened links, random characters, or unrelated domains).
✅ Look for Typos and Poor Grammar
Scam e-cards often contain unusual punctuation, odd phrases, or unnatural English — signs that the sender isn’t who they claim to be.
✅ Beware of Unexpected or Vague Messages
If someone you don’t regularly communicate with sends you an e-card with no context, it’s best to double-check before clicking.
How to Protect Yourself from E-Card Scams
🔒 1. Never Click Unknown Links
If you receive an e-card from someone unfamiliar — or even from someone you know but in an unexpected format — verify with them directly before opening it.
🛡️ 2. Install Strong Antivirus Software
Use updated antivirus and anti-malware tools that scan email attachments and links in real-time. Many security suites also flag malicious websites.
📱 3. Be Cautious on Messaging Apps
E-card scams are no longer limited to email. Be wary of shortened links or suspicious greetings on WhatsApp, Telegram, or even Instagram DMs.
🔁 4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This provides an extra layer of security for your email, banking, and social media accounts — even if login credentials are compromised.
🚫 5. Block and Report Scam Messages
On platforms like Gmail, WhatsApp, and Telegram, report suspicious messages immediately. This helps platforms block malicious links from reaching others.
In today’s digital world, even a simple gesture like sending an e-card can be hijacked by cybercriminals for malicious gain. While the intent behind digital greetings is usually innocent and heartfelt, the growing number of e-card scams is a reminder to stay cautious — even when things look sweet.
I’m Winejagati, a experienced writer and researcher with years of experience in marketing, stock market trading, and business analysis. Well-versed in technology and global affairs, I’m passionate about delivering clear, insightful content that helps readers stay informed and ahead of the curve.
