You'll most likely spend some time this weekend perusing Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. Unfortunately, fraudsters rely on this.
In 2021, shoppers spent roughly $20 billion online between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, creating the shopping period a haven for cyber crooks.
Expert Warns of Dangerous Scams on Black Friday
"During the Christmas season, everyone is searching for a good deal and that must-have gift for a family member, and they are purchasing a lot of goods online," said Zulfikar Ramzan of cybersecurity firm Aura.
Ramzan said that scammers target internet consumers around this time of year. Ramzan noted that Aura is now experiencing a rise in delivery-related frauds. When you receive a notice that you believe is from the delivery service, Aura advises you to contact them directly to confirm its legitimacy.
When purchasing online, the Better Business Bureau suggests only using well-known websites, such as big-box retailers. If you suspect an offer is too good to be true, do your homework.
Also, for added fraud protection, always use your credit card rather than your debit card while purchasing online. Unfortunately, scammers are attempting to take advantage of individuals who are attempting to do the right thing for their loved ones around the holidays, Ramzan added.
Possible Scams During Black Friday Sale
Scammers are likely to take advantage of budget-conscious buyers looking for Christmas bargains steep enough to beat inflation, according to Ariana Bago, a fraud expert at proxy service Proxyrack, as per WFLX.
1. Avoid Malicious Links
Scammers will go to any length to get you to click on a harmful link. The link might install malware on your device or redirect you to a bogus website that asks for personal information or passwords to your bank accounts. It might occur in an email, text message, or social media ad.
If you receive a message with a potentially suspicious link when purchasing, make sure the message sender's contact information matches the firm or financial institution they claim to represent, according to Proxyrack.
2. Be Cautious of Unfamiliar Number or Email
If you have any doubts, check for a real phone number or email address and call the firm or your bank immediately to obtain additional information about the situation. According to Proxyrack's analysis, you're sure to witness an increase in offers to download money-saving browser extensions, especially during the holiday shopping season.
Some of these are authentic and can help you gain access to discounts or cash-back deals that you would have missed otherwise. However, criminals might take advantage of your zeal to save money by creating bogus browser extensions that include hazardous software and phishing your personal information.
3. Do Not Click Unknown Links or Websites
According to Proxyrack, the majority of Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers will be posted upfront on merchant websites. Whether you must install a browser extension, first check it out on a review website like TrustPilot to determine if it is questionable.
The last thing you want to hear is that some of your purchases were unsuccessful and may have to be canceled. As a result, fraudsters sometimes masquerade as large shops and call you with an urgent message stating that purchase did not go through or that your payment information needs to be updated. They might even impersonate your bank and request that you verify your details before enabling your payments to be processed.
According to Proxyrack, scammers generally aim to generate a feeling of urgency, hinting that if you don't respond soon, there would be terrible consequences, such as a canceled shopping order or even a blocked bank account, CNBC reported.
Protect Yourself From Balck Friday Scams
Scams can range from a bogus Amazon website to a text message claiming a refund from someone impersonating Walmart - and if you participate, they may take your credit card information or your identity. Scams have become even more widespread since the advent of Cyber Monday, a variant of Black Friday in which discounted items may be purchased online rather than in-store.
When buying at a physical store, there are several assurances that the store is legitimate and would not steal your information. The same may be said for online buying, according to Deseret.
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