Steals or Swindles: Black Friday Edition

Black Friday, the one time of the year when shoppers are excited for crazy deals they can get. Do you know who else gets excited about Black Friday? Scammers. Yes, scammers go all out to steal from unsuspecting customers who are looking for bargain purchases but end up with huge losses.

So, with Black Friday going down on November 2023, what can you do to protect yourself from hardcore cyber criminals? Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to guard your money. But first, some of the most common Black Friday scams out there.

Fake Websites and Dubious Online Stores

Scammers are known to impersonate popular brands with look-alike websites and this is one time they go all out. The fake online stores are clones of renowned brands or new start-ups which offer crazy deals with some having as much as 90% off. Trend Micro is reporting some, like designer watches going for $250 which have been on the rise.

Remember the old adage, “If it's too good to be true, it probably is.” This is the one time of the year when this should be your mantra as shoppers. Since there are actual Black Friday deals, it's important to only buy from reliable online shopping websites and do your due diligence before every purchase. 

Rampant Phishing Attacks

Phishing scams, whether smishing or vishing, have been on a steady rise throughout the year. In the opening two weeks of November, Kaspersky flagged 92,259 spam emails with the term "Black Friday."

For Amazon, one of the most impersonated brands in the world, customers are not spared either. The primary and widespread tactic involves a deceptive email attachment scam where scammers impersonate Amazon, sending convincing emails with malicious attachments. These emails threaten account suspension, pushing recipients to disclose sensitive information like payment details or login credentials.

The second common tactic focuses on Amazon Prime members, utilizing multiple communication channels—phone calls, text messages, or emails otherwise known as smishing and vishing attacks. Scammers falsely assert the presence of a hefty membership fee or account problem, coercing members to verify or annul the charge. This scheme is crafted to dupe shoppers into divulging personal information, such as payment or bank account details.”

Phishing scams are not just for Amazon or e-commerce stores but target every aspect of the economy. In the grand scheme of things, impostors in sheep's clothing mimic your favorite brands, hoping you'll dance to their tune and click on sneaky links they've slipped into your messages and emails. These deceptive links act as secret passages to fake websites, cunningly crafted to snatch up your personal info. Once armed with your data, these tricksters can pull off digital heists, from stealing your funds to auctioning off your identity on the dark web.

Source: Trend Micro

Stay vigilant by verifying unexpected messages or emails directly with the purported sender, and never click on suspicious links or disclose personal information unless you're certain of the authenticity. 

Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security, and keep your devices and security software up to date to minimize vulnerabilities to scams and phishing attempts.

Fake Social Media Adverts

On social media, watch out for tricky ads that pretend to be real deals. Scammers make these ads look like legit offers, but they're just trying to trick you into giving them your info or buying fake stuff. It's like a digital game of hide-and-seek, where you think you're getting an awesome deal, but it turns out to be a big scam.

To stay safe, don't dive into these ads headfirst. Take a moment to check if they're for real. Look closely at the ad, see if anything seems off, and make sure the website they want you to go to is the real deal. Being a smart detective online can save you from falling into the traps set by these scammers who use the wide reach of social media to catch people off guard.

Tips on how to protect yourself this Black Friday

Of course, there are so many more types of scams out there like bait and switch scams, Credit card skimming and so much more. But how can you protect yourself from such scams? Well, here are a few pointers you can keep in mind; 

1. Verify if the seller is legit

You can read our tips on how to recognize a scam website but some pointers are shady emails, copied content, too-good-to-be-true prices, poor customer reviews, and more. 

2. Double-check the URLs

Scammers will try and impersonate a legitimate website as much as possible. However, they cannot copy the exact URL which means they can only play with it in a process called Typosquatting. It technically means scammers register domains with ‘typos’ to confuse users. Some of the common ways they do this include;

• Alternative spellings
• Spelling errors
• Wrong domain endings (eg. .com, .shop, or .online)
• Hyphenated domains

The only way you can beat this is by double-checking the URLs on every site you visit. In an era of card skimming and malware, you can never be too careful.

3. Avoid clicking on unknown links

Protect yourself online by avoiding unknown links. Clicking on unfamiliar URLs can expose your device to viruses, scams, or unauthorized access. Stick to trusted sources, exercise caution even with seemingly familiar links, and prioritize online security for a worry-free experience. 

Additionally, be skeptical of unsolicited messages or emails that contain clickable links, especially if they prompt urgent action or seem suspicious. Cybercriminals often use phishing tactics to trick users into divulging sensitive information. Double-check the sender's legitimacy and verify the content before clicking on any embedded links. Keeping your software updated and using reputable antivirus software adds an extra layer of protection. By adopting these practices, you empower yourself to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and reduce the risk of falling victim to online threats.

4. All that glitters may not be gold

This is especially true with social media ads. The increasing trend of purchasing through platforms like Instagram and TikTok has provided fertile ground for scammers. They entice users with enticing offers on high-demand items, often too good to resist. 

However, before succumbing to the allure of seemingly irresistible deals, exercise caution. Take the time to conduct thorough research and verify the legitimacy of the online store. In a digital landscape where looks can be deceiving, ensuring the authenticity of the platform not only safeguards your hard-earned money but also protects you from falling prey to online scams.

5. Relax... and Breathe

In the fast-paced digital realm, it's crucial to remember to relax and breathe, especially when making online transactions. The pressure of enticing deals and the desire for quick purchases can lead to hasty decisions. Take a moment to catch your breath and resist the urgency to click or buy impulsively. 

Deliberation is your ally in the virtual marketplace. Take your time to thoroughly research, verify, and ensure the legitimacy of the online sources. By adopting a calm and composed approach, you not only protect yourself from potential scams but also make informed choices, enhancing your overall online shopping experience.

Bottom Line: Chase Black Friday Deals but Excercise Caution

As Black Friday approaches, the excitement for incredible deals is palpable, but so is the enthusiasm of scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. From fake websites to phishing scams and deceptive social media ads, the threats are diverse. To safeguard your hard-earned money, follow these key takeaways:

• Trust, but Verify: Stick to reliable online shopping platforms and verify the legitimacy of sellers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Guard Against Phishing: Be vigilant against phishing scams targeting emails, messages, and calls. Verify the sender's legitimacy, avoid clicking on unknown links, and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Doubtful Ads on Social Media: Don't fall for seemingly irresistible deals on social media ads. Investigate the legitimacy of online stores before making any purchases.
• Check URLs: Scrutinize website URLs for typos, alternative spellings, and suspicious domain endings. Double-checking can thwart scammers attempting to deceive with look-alike sites.
• Pause and Ponder: In the rush for deals, take a moment to breathe and resist impulsive purchases. Deliberation is your ally; research, verify, and ensure the legitimacy of online sources for a secure shopping experience.

By adopting these precautions, you empower yourself to navigate the digital marketplace confidently, minimizing the risk of falling victim to Black Friday scams.

Image Source: Pixabay