As we gear up for the holiday season, Black Friday — the biggest shopping day of the year — is just around the corner. While many of us look forward to the huge discounts and deals, it’s also prime time for scammers to try and take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.
According to recent data from Barclays, there was a 22% increase in the amount of money lost to purchase scams during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales last year, with an average loss of £970 per victim. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to safeguard yourself from falling victim to Black Friday scams.
Understanding The Tactics Used In Black Friday Scams
Scammers are skilled at manipulating human emotions to further their schemes. They exploit our vulnerabilities by instilling a sense of urgency, fear, or stress, and these emotions are particularly amplified during the hectic holiday season rush. As individuals rush to secure the best deals and coveted items, they tend to lower their guard, inadvertently making themselves susceptible to cyber attacks. Recognising the strategies used by scammers is the initial crucial step in protecting oneself from falling prey to Black Friday scams.
How To Avoid Black Friday Scams
1. Spotting Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
We all love a good deal, but if something seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is. Scammers often lure shoppers with unbelievably low prices for popular items. Always cross-check prices with other retailers before making a purchase.
2. Beware of Phishing Emails
One of the most prevalent Black Friday scams involves phishing emails and websites. Scammers send out enticing emails, purportedly from popular retailers, offering exclusive deals. These emails often contain malicious links or attachments that can compromise your personal information or infect your device with malware. To stay safe, avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, always verify the sender’s email address, and never provide personal or financial information via email. Some common types of fake emails include shipping scams, confirmation emails, and delivery scams.
3. Visit Secure Websites Only
Cybercriminals create fake online stores that mimic well-known retailers. They lure shoppers with enticing deals, but once you make a purchase, your money disappears, and you may never receive the products.
Before entering any personal or payment information, make sure the website is secure. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the browser bar. These indicate that the site has SSL encryption, making it harder for your data to be intercepted.
4. Be Cautious with Pop-Up Ads
Avoid clicking on pop-up ads, especially those promising freebies or incredible discounts. These ads might lead you to malicious websites or initiate downloads of malware onto your device.
5. Be Wary of Fake Apps
Fake shopping apps that mimic real ones are on the rise. These can steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the App Store or Google Play, and check reviews before downloading.
6. Check Social Media Links
Scammers often spread fake deals through social media. Double-check the links and accounts sharing these offers, and ensure they are legitimate. Official retailer pages and profiles typically have a blue verification badge.
7. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
When shopping online, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, which are less secure. Use a secure, private connection to protect your personal and financial information.
8. Look Out for Gift Card Scams
Scammers might offer discounted gift cards on Black Friday that appear to be great deals. However, some of these cards may have little to no value or may be fraudulent altogether. Purchase gift cards from reputable sources and double-check the balance before using them to ensure they haven’t been tampered with.
Black Friday is an exciting time for shoppers, but it’s essential not to let the anticipation overshadow your judgment. By following these tips, you can shop smart, stay safe, and make the most of the holiday season’s deals while steering clear of Black Friday scams.
