It’s that time of year again—Black Friday is just around the corner, and while it’s a fantastic opportunity to grab some bargains, it’s also prime time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. With increasingly sophisticated tactics, often powered by AI, fraudsters are more convincing than ever. Don’t let them ruin your shopping spree.
How Scammers Operate
Scammers are becoming dangerously more deceptive, using advances in AI to craft more convincing fake adverts, counterfeit listings, and phishing schemes. These scams, often disguised as genuine offers, target shoppers eager to secure Black Friday bargains, luring them with promises of unbeatable deals to extract sensitive information or payments for non-existent goods. Stay vigilant against these tactics to protect your finances and personal data.
To outsmart the scammers, keep an eye out for these common red flags:
1. Fake Product Listings
Adverts on social media or auction sites may list counterfeit items or products that don’t exist.
What to do: Before you buy, check reviews from verified buyers. Be cautious of five-star ratings with no detailed comments—this could indicate fake reviews.
2. High-Pressure Tactics
Phrases like “Only 3 left!” or pop-ups claiming “You’re a winner!” are designed to pressure you into acting quickly without considering the risks.
What to do: Resist the urgency. Take your time to evaluate the offer.
3. Payment Page Scams
An unsecured payment page puts your sensitive data at risk.
What to do: Look for the padlock symbol and ‘https’ in the website’s address bar before entering payment details.
Phishing Emails: They’re Not What They Seem
Phishing emails claiming to be from popular retailers are another common trap. These often include links or attachments designed to steal your data or infect your device.
What to do:
- Check the sender’s email address for subtle spelling mistakes.
- Don’t click links or download files unless you’re certain of their authenticity.
Delivery Scams: A Seasonal Trap
With the festive season seeing an increase in parcel deliveries, fake notifications are everywhere. Scammers send realistic texts or emails claiming additional payment is needed to release a package. These messages often include infected links or attachments designed to compromise your device.
What to do:
- Never click on links in unsolicited messages.
- Avoid downloading attachments from unknown or unexpected emails, as they may contain viruses or malware.
- Check your order status directly on the retailer’s official website or app for accurate information.
Smart Shopping Strategies
Here are some proactive steps to help you shop securely:
- Trust Your Instincts
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Pay with a Credit Card
- Credit cards offer more protection compared to bank transfers or PayPal’s ‘friends and family’ option.
- Research Sellers
- Look up the company or seller on trusted review platforms before making a purchase. If using marketplaces or auction sites look at product and seller reviews before purchasing.
- Check URLs
- Fake websites often look genuine but may have small spelling errors in their addresses.
- Enable Extra Security
- The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-step verification (2SV) on your accounts for added protection.
The Cost of Falling Victim
Last year, UK shoppers lost over £11 million to scams during the festive season. High-value items like clothing, tech gadgets, and even cars were common targets.
Adam Mercer, Deputy Director of Action Fraud, advises:
“Never feel pressured into buying anything online,” and “Creating a false sense of urgency is a tell-tale sign of a fraudster.”
Take a moment to assess any deal that feels rushed or overly enticing—it’s better to miss out on a supposed bargain than to fall victim to fraud.
Stay Safe, Shop Smart
Black Friday can be a fantastic opportunity to grab deals, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Remember: taking a few extra seconds to check the legitimacy of a seller or payment page could save you a lot of money—and stress.
