Shop Safely this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday around the corner, millions of shoppers are preparing for some of the biggest sales of the year. An estimated 64% of consumers globally plan to shop online this Black Friday, up significantly from previous years. But as online shopping grows, so do the risks.

This year, shoppers may face sophisticated, professional-looking scams capable of deceiving even the most discerning buyers. In fact, in November alone, an astounding 198,000 spam messages were sent related to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With new AI tools in place, it becomes even more challenging to determine if these scams are real or not. These range from phishing sites mimicking popular retailers to fake ads on social media offering deals that seem "too good to be true." Let's take a closer look at the threats and how you can protect yourself from falling victim during the shopping season.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Scammers create websites that look identical to legitimate retailer sites. Often, the URL will have a subtle difference, such as `.shop` instead of `.com`. These fake sites are used to steal your personal and payment information.

Around 70% of shoppers have bought gifts through social media ads, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok being the most common platforms. Scammers target these buyers with fraudulent ads for non-existent deals.

Cybercriminals trick shoppers with fake emails or pop-up ads offering massive discounts, which instead install malware or steal personal data. Malvertising attacks increased by 53% during last year’s shopping season, according to global data from Norton parent company Gen, making it the leading seasonal scam tactic.

Be wary of downloading unfamiliar apps promising exclusive Black Friday deals. These can contain harmful software or be designed to harvest your sensitive data.

How to Spot a Scam

Protecting yourself starts with awareness. Here are red flags to watch out for:

• Odd URLs – Check for slight changes in retailers' website addresses (e.g., "amaz0n.com" instead of "amazon.com").
• Grammar and Spelling Errors – Poorly written content on a website or email may indicate fraud.
• No HTTPS Encryption – Always ensure the URL starts with "https," signalling a secure site.
• Inactive Social Media Links – On fake sites, social media buttons often lead nowhere.

When in doubt, contact the retailer directly using official contact information from a trusted source.

Cybersecurity Measures to Take This Holiday Season

While scams continue to rise, staying safe requires proactive measures. Here are some trustworthy ways to protect yourself during the sales:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second login step, such as a text message code or an authentication app. This can be critical in protecting your personal and payment information if a password is compromised.
  
  
• Invest in Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software
  Security solutions such as Norton or other cybersecurity tools can protect you from phishing, malvertising, and tracking software while shopping online.
  
  
• Use Secure Payment Methods
  Opt for credit cards or payment platforms like PayPal that offer protection against fraudulent transactions. Avoid direct bank transfers or entering card details on unfamiliar sites.
  
  
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
  Free Wi-Fi can make you vulnerable to hackers. Use a secure, private network or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for any online shopping activity.
  
  
• Be Suspicious of Deals that Seem Too Good to Be True
  If a discount seems far greater than other legitimate retailers, it’s likely a scam.

Shopping Trends to Keep in Mind

• Mobile Dominates Cyber Week
  Last year, 79% of Cyber Week’s e-commerce traffic came from mobile phones, and this trend will continue in 2024. Double-check the URL and security before purchasing on mobile.
  
  
• AI in Retail and Scams
  Artificial intelligence is transforming online shopping, from chatbots to personalised promotions. However, scammers also use AI to launch more convincing phishing schemes. Be cautious of AI-driven recommendations that don't feel authentic or lead you to unknown sellers.
  
  
• More Shoppers, More Risks
  Over 200 million shoppers participated in Black Friday events in 2023, and this number is projected to grow. With increasing online activity, cybercriminals see this period as prime time for scams.

Tips for a Safe Shopping Experience

As more people shift to online shopping, scammers are sharpening their methods to target enthusiastic holiday buyers. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay protected:

1. Use reputable sites or apps for your purchases.
2. Steer clear of unsolicited emails or too-good-to-be-believed offers.
3. Monitor your bank statements for unauthorised activity during and after the sales.
4. Plan your purchases in advance to avoid last-minute impulsive buying, which can lead to rushed and unsafe decisions.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fantastic opportunities to get excellent deals, but a little caution goes a long way in ensuring your holiday season remains joyful and scam-free.

For more tips on safe shopping and other IT insights, visit our blog page.