Stay Safe This Black Friday: Avoid Cyber Scams with Key Strategies

Black Friday cyber scams threaten shoppers as online criminals exploit the holiday rush, with over £11.5 million lost to fraud last year.

At a Glance

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre warns of increased scam activity during Black Friday
Shoppers lost over £11.5 million to online criminals during last year’s sales
Common scams include brand impersonation, credit card skimming, and malicious advertising
Experts advise caution against deals that seem too good to be true and urge the use of two-step verification
Cybercriminals begin preparing for Black Friday scams as early as January

Cyber Authorities Sound the Alarm

As Black Friday approaches, cyber security authorities are raising red flags about the potential for scams during this concentrated period of online shopping. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in the UK has launched a campaign promoting two-step verification to enhance account protection, a crucial step in safeguarding personal information from cyber threats.

The urgency surrounding Black Friday sales creates an environment ripe for exploitation by scammers. Shoppers are advised to be wary of tactics that create false urgency, such as limited-time offers, which can lead to hasty decisions and potential security breaches.

Shopping #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday deals? So are scammers, who use a variety of methods to target victims looking to buy or sell something online. Check out these tips on what to watch out for: https://t.co/W7MShf0Kz7 pic.twitter.com/6Wj6nPEBGd

— FBI Memphis (@FBIMemphis) November 24, 2023

The Scale of the Threat

The threat is not to be underestimated. Action Fraud reports indicate that 43% of fraud cases involved social media platforms, while 19% were linked to online marketplaces. These statistics underscore the need for vigilance across all online shopping platforms.

“As we head into the holiday shopping season, people are understandably eager to find the best deals online. Unfortunately, this is also prime time for cyber criminals, who exploit bargain hunters with increasingly sophisticated scams – sometimes crafted using AI – making them harder to detect.” – NCSC chief executive Richard Horne

The scale of online shopping during Black Friday is staggering, with $9.12 billion spent last year in the U.S. alone and $40 billion globally. This massive influx of transactions provides ample opportunities for cybercriminals to strike.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Malwarebytes warns of three main threats: brand impersonation scams, credit card skimmers, and malicious advertising. Brand impersonation scams often involve fake ads offering discounts on popular products like PlayStation 5 consoles, using counterfeit Amazon or Walmart branding to lure unsuspecting shoppers.

Credit card skimmers are particularly insidious, often found on smaller online retailers’ checkout processes due to outdated website security. Malicious advertising, or malvertising, uses fake online ads to deliver malware, with a significant increase in incidents noted in recent years.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

To combat these threats, experts recommend several strategies. Shoppers should maintain a healthy skepticism towards unexpected communications and deals that seem too good to be true. Regular software updates, strong passwords, and separating work and personal devices are crucial steps in maintaining cyber hygiene.

Amazon and other major retailers are actively combating scams through law enforcement partnerships, expert investigators, and machine learning technologies. These efforts aim to remove phishing websites and scam phone numbers, providing a safer shopping environment for consumers.

By staying informed and following these precautions, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of online Black Friday deals without compromising their security. Remember, a moment of caution can prevent a season of regret.