Black Friday is an eagerly awaited event for bargain hunters, but it’s also a favourite time of year for cybercriminals. With the increase in online traffic and shopping deals, scammers find it an ideal opportunity to target unsuspecting shoppers. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the sales, it’s essential to keep your online safety in mind. So, before diving into those deals, take a moment to understand the risks and learn how you can protect yourself. Here’s our guide on staying secure and spotting scams this Black Friday.
Recognise Common Scams
Black Friday brings a surge of online scams and being aware of the most common types can help you steer clear of trouble.
- Phishing emails: These emails look like they’re from trusted retailers but often contain links to fake websites that capture your personal information. To avoid falling for these scams, always check the sender’s email address and don’t click on links unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
- Fake websites: Fraudsters often create fake websites that mimic popular stores. These sites may look convincing but are designed to steal your details. Always check the URL for small spelling errors or extra characters and ensure it starts with “https” for added security.
- Social media scams: Scammers frequently post fake offers on social media to lure shoppers. Be cautious about ads on social platforms and confirm that the seller is genuine before making any purchases.
- Gift card scams: Scams involving gift cards are prevalent, especially around the holidays. If a retailer is pushing for gift card payments, be wary. Genuine stores don’t typically require you to pay this way.
Tips for staying safe
When shopping online, taking some basic precautions can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam:
- Shop on reputable websites: Stick with well-known retailers. If you’re considering a new site, look up reviews and customer feedback beforehand.
- Use strong passwords: Protect your online shopping accounts with strong, unique passwords. A password manager can help keep track of them all.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding 2FA to your accounts enhances security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text code, in addition to your password.
- Monitor your bank statements: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious transactions, especially after a shopping spree.
- Use secure payment methods: Opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted services such as PayPal, as they provide better fraud protection than debit cards.
- Update your software: Keeping your devices and software up to date is crucial for staying safe online. Ensure your operating system, web browser and security software have the latest updates installed.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. If you must shop while out and about, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your connection.
- Verify deals and offers: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Confirm deals on the retailer’s official website or contact their customer service to avoid falling for a scam.
- Educate yourself: Familiarise yourself with the latest cyber threats. Knowledge is your best defence against scams, so take time to learn about the risks.
What to do if you fall victim
Even with all the precautions, mistakes can happen. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
- Contact your bank: Report any unauthorised transactions and follow their guidance to secure your account.
- Change your passwords: For any accounts that may have been compromised, update your passwords to prevent further access.
- Report the scam: Inform the retailer and report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.
Stay safe online this black Friday
By keeping these tips in mind and staying aware of common scams, you can enjoy the thrill of Black Friday shopping without putting your personal information or finances at risk. The excitement of a good deal is great, but security should always come first.
Take action: This Black Friday, make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge to shop safely. Share this guide with friends and family to help them stay safe, too. And remember, if you need further support in securing your online experience, reach out to us – we are here to help you stay protected every step of the way.
