There are fresh warnings for those wanting to score a bargain online as we head into the Holiday period

The silly season is well and truly here but as we all inevitably get caught up in the festivities, Australian authorities are urging residents to stay cyber safe.

Reports of online scams are on the rise as criminals stoop to new lows.

As we shop for Christmas gifts, the Australian Federal Police agency warns we need to be wary of fake delivery text messages.

AFP Cyber Commander Chris Goldsmind says one of the most common techniques used by scammers is called “spoofing”.

This is when criminals impersonate trusted brands, including legitimate parcel delivery services, to send messages designed to trick consumers.

They entice people to click on links containing harmful malware or providing personal information.

We know cyber criminals are more active in December because they look to prey on victims who may be more stressed or less attentive.

So how can you stay safe this Christmas?

Authorities say we should be on the look out for grammatical errors, requests for personal information, odd-looking links or an unexplained sense of urgency.

These are all signs of a scam message.

On top of this, most delivery services will NEVER text or email their customers to request personal or financial information.

And remember – If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

The U.S. Trade Commission is pushing ahead to stop Microsoft from buying ‘Call Of Duty’ maker, Activision

The U.S. anti-trust regulator says Microsoft has a record of buying valuable gaming content, which is then used to slow competition.

Microsoft is seeking to acquire ‘Call Of Duty’ maker, Activision for $68.7 billion in the biggest gaming industry deal in history.

However, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which enforces antitrust law, believes Microsoft has a record of holding onto gaming content.

Holly Vedova is the director of FTC’s Bureau of Competition, who said gaming rivals will be impacted if the deal went ahead.

“Today, we seek to stop Microsoft from gaining control over a leading independent game studio and using it to harm competition in multiple dynamic and fast-growing gaming markets.”

Brad Smith is the president of Microsoft, who said the company would fight the ruling.

“While we believed in giving peace a chance, we have complete confidence in our case and welcome the opportunity to present our case in court,” he said.

A hearing will be held before an administrative law judge by August 2023.

The FTC decision led to a slump in Activision shares, which closed 1.5 per cent down at $74.76.

Meanwhile, Microsoft slipped from an earlier high but still closed around 1 per cent higher.

Researchers have found an apparent link between excessive television viewing and tobacco use

Children who watch excessive television are at a greater risk of tobacco use and gambling problems in adulthood, according to a new study from the University of Otago.

The New Zealand research team worked out how television viewing in childhood
was related to the risk of having a substance use disorder later in life.

Dr Helena McAnally said excessive time spent in front of the television between the age of five and 15, may be a risk factor for the development of later disorders.

“People often talk of television viewing as an addiction; this research indicates that, for some
people, television viewing may be an early expression of an addictive disorder or may lead to later substance-related and other addictive disorders.”

The study found for tobacco and gambling, the associations were independent of other potential influences like sex, socioeconomic status, and measures of childhood self-control.

Professor Bob Hancox, who worked on the study, said television time has been linked with a range of poorer choice in adulthood.

“Public health agencies have put great effort into advocating for safer alcohol use and safe sexual practices; similar campaigns could be used to advocate for safe screen use,” he explained.

Professor Hancox added this research is among the first to assess how a common, but potentially addictive behaviour can be linked t substance disorders later in life.

“The study highlights the potential need for guidance on digital health and wellbeing,” he said.

The U.S. Academy of Pediatrics’ has recommended a limit of two hours of screen time per day.

They also encourage parents to avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.

It is also recommended screens are turned out at least 30 minutes before bedtime.