The Rise of Black Friday Scams: How to keep yourself safe

Black Friday sales are coming up this month with massive discounts, doorbuster deals, and bargains. However, while shoppers eagerly add items to their carts, both in-store and online, cybercriminals are equally as eager to take advantage of the chaos. The rise in scams during Black Friday is a serious concern, particularly with the increasing shift towards online shopping.

That’s why it’s important to learn to spot the risks, how to identify scams, and practical steps to take in order to stay secure while enjoying your shopping spree.

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The Rise of Black Friday Scams

The convenience of online shopping has made Black Friday more accessible, but it’s also created new opportunities for fraudsters.

Common scams include:

• Fake Websites and Stores
  Cybercriminals create convincing replicas of legitimate e-commerce websites to trick shoppers into providing their payment information.

• Phishing Emails
  Fraudulent emails offering "exclusive" deals or requiring "account verification" lure shoppers into clicking malicious links.

• Social Media Scams
  Ads or posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram promote deals that seem too good to be true, often leading to fake stores.

• Gift Card Scams
  Scammers promise gift cards in exchange for a small payment or participation in a survey, only to vanish with your money or data.

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Spotting a Scam

Protecting yourself starts with awareness, as understanding the tactics scammers use is your first line of defence. Scams often exploit common behaviours like the excitement of a great deal or the urgency to act quickly. By staying informed about the latest schemes and recognising warning signs, you can avoid falling victim.

Here’s how to identify a scam:

• Too Good to Be True Deals
  If a deal looks suspiciously cheap or claims to offer something "FREE" without conditions, proceed with caution. Compare prices with reputable retailers or check for any small print.

• Suspicious URLs
  Check website addresses carefully. Fraudulent sites often have misspellings, extra characters, or unusual domains (e.g., ".co" instead of ".com").

• Urgency and Pressure Tactics
  Scammers use countdown timers or claim "limited stock" to pressure you into making quick decisions.

• Request for Unusual Payment Methods
  Be wary if asked to pay via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or prepaid gift cards instead of secure methods like credit cards or PayPal.

• No Contact Information
  Legitimate retailers provide clear contact details, including customer service numbers. A lack of this information is a red flag.

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What to Do if You Fall for a Scam

If you suspect or realise you’ve been scammed, act quickly:

• Stop Payment
  Contact your bank or credit card company to block the transaction and report unauthorised charges.

• Report the Scam
  Notify your local authorities and report the scam to organisations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).

• Change Your Passwords
  If you’ve shared login details, update your passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

• Monitor Your Accounts
  Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorised activities.

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Staying Secure Online

Staying secure online is crucial to protecting your personal information, finances, and digital identity from cyber threats and fraud. By practicing good cybersecurity habits, you can safeguard your data and enjoy the convenience of the internet with peace of mind.

Here are some key practices to help safeguard yourself:

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  Add an extra layer of security to your accounts with MFA, which requires a second verification step.

• Shop on Secure Websites
  Look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser bar. These indicate a secure connection.

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi
  Public networks are a hotbed for cyberattacks. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you must shop on-the-go, login to accounts, or use mobile banking apps.

• Update Your Software
  Keep your devices, browsers, and antivirus programs up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Use Strong Passwords
  Create unique passwords for each account, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager for convenience.

• Be Sceptical of Links and Attachments
  Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

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Black Friday is a great time to score deals, but the excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of your security. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, you can shop with confidence and avoid the traps set by scammers.

Remember: if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.

Happy shopping, and stay safe!