Sneaky Black Friday Scams to Watch Out for This Year
According to Adobe Analytics, the day following Thanksgiving is among the busiest shopping occasions of each year. Even with a worldwide pandemic, customers purchased a remarkable $9 billion worth of products on Black Friday in 2020, up 21.6 percent from the previous year. And, regrettably, this year too, fraudsters will hunt for a means to obtain a portion of all that money going from one wallet to another through Black Friday Scams.
For instance, scammers set up complex websites to deceive you into spending money on things you’ll never receive while companies like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart roll out offers around the holidays. For scammers to gain your credit card information, you might get text messages and emails claiming that you are eligible for a refund for an item you never purchased. You could even be persuaded to donate to a charity that finds homes for stray pups, which doesn’t exist.
Scams occur in different shapes and sizes, but the warning signs are always there. Here’s what you need to understand concerning Black Friday scams or how to prevent being a victim this holiday season.
#1. Fake email attachments posing as authentic businesses and shippers
Injecting malware via email attachments is a typical fraud used by hackers, and during the Christmas shopping season, they’ll frequently transmit malware disguised as offering emails and shipment notices. Offers, discount codes, and tracking numbers will not be sent as attachments by shops or delivery firms. Instead, they’ll plainly state such things in the body of an email.
#2. Typosquat deception
Phony email addresses and URLs that seem suspiciously similar to authentic addresses of respectable firms and stores are a typical fraudster technique. They’re frequently seen in phishing emails, and rather than directing you to a wonderful offer, they may take you to scam sites that steal your account information, payment information, and even cash if you attempt to purchase them.
By navigating straight to the retailer’s website, you can avoid these sites. Be cautious of any links you get by mail, text, or direct message — better it is to go over to the site directly and search for the bargain, thereby manually putting in the actual website.
#3. Fake deals and websites
Fraudsters set up sites that appear to be managed by a known merchant or brand but are not. This is a similar scammer ploy that also involves typosquatting strategies. These sites may advertise a fantastic promotion, a great discount on a popular Christmas item, or something similar. Still, they are just another avenue for cybercriminals to steal personal and financial data.
Social media, email, and other message systems are frequent ways for these sites to proliferate. A “near to the actual thing” URL is a clear indicator of a copycat, so go directly to the merchant. Furthermore, thorough internet security software can prevent your browser from loading malicious sites and alert you to questionable sites in your search results.
#4. Imitation shopping applications
While the finest of them might appear almost professional and difficult to recognize, going straight to the source is one way to avoid counterfeit shopping applications. On your mobile browser, go to the retailer’s website and seek a link to the app there. Stick to genuine app shops like Google Play and Apple’s App Store as well.
Both have safeguards in place to keep harmful programs out of their marketplaces. However, some can get past detection, so search for the publisher’s title in the description and make sure it’s genuine. The name of a bogus app could seem similar to the shop you’re looking for, but it’s not quite right. Other telltale symptoms of a fake include typos, bad language, and a strange design.
#5. The “too good to be true” scenario
Scarcity is at the core of Black Friday scams. Limited-time discounts, hard-to-find seasonal products, and the overall scarcity of time during the holiday season to get things done, such as shopping, are all factors to consider. This is the best time of year for con artists. In their offers and messages throughout the holidays, they’ll play on your sense of scarcity and urgency.
Enter the “too good to be true” deal, which is frequently advertised on phony websites. If the cost, availability, or delivery time appear to be too good to be true, it might be a phishing scam aimed to steal your personal information and accounts. Before you click, be cautious. Whether you’re not sure about a product or a merchant, look for reviews on reputable websites to verify if it’s authentic.
Final Thoughts
So, before you start buying online this year, take a big breath first. Check for any offers that appear to be nearly too good to be true. Take a good look at those connections. Also, do not open attachments that appear to be shipment announcements or discount deals. This time of year, hackers are banking on you to be in a rush. Taking the time to notice their techniques can go a long way toward protecting you and your money.
