Cyber Monday, one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, is just around the corner. Unfortunately, this period also marks a peak season for cybercriminals. To help you prepare, we’re highlighting six common shopping scams and how to avoid them.
The Rise of Shopping Scams
The festive shopping season, while exciting, has become increasingly perilous due to cybercriminal activities. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre highlights a number of scams that can impact consumers during the holiday season.
The high volume of holiday shopping provides ample opportunities for cybercriminals. Additionally, consumers tend to take more risks during this period. A survey by Norton found that nearly one in three adults admitted to taking more risks with online shopping closer to the holidays. This includes clicking on unverified links, using public Wi-Fi for transactions, and ignoring website security warnings.
Cybercriminals are well-prepared to exploit these mistakes. Here are six scams to watch out for and tips on how to protect yourself.
6 Common Scams During Black Friday and Cyber Monday and How to Avoid Them
Fake Coupons: Scammers distribute fake coupons promising steep discounts. These are often shared via email, social media, and fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers.
How to avoid: Verify coupons by checking the retailer’s official website or app. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
Phony Websites: Fake websites mimic legitimate online stores to steal personal information, using similar logos, branding, and slightly altered URLs.
How to avoid: Look for secure website indicators such as HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar. Read reviews and verify the website’s legitimacy before making purchases. Pay attention to unusual characters or misspellings in the URL.
Fake Delivery and Non-delivery Scams: Scammers send fake delivery notifications or claim a package is undeliverable to trick you into providing personal information.
How to avoid: Track orders directly through the retailer’s website or app. Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages and be cautious of unsolicited delivery notifications.
Fake “Order Issue” Scams: Emails claiming a problem with your order and asking for personal details are common. These messages often appear to come from well-known retailers.
How to avoid: Contact customer service directly through the retailer’s official channels to verify any issues. Avoid providing personal details through links in unsolicited messages.
Account Verification Scams: Scammers send emails or texts asking you to verify your account information, often including links to fake login pages.
How to avoid: Never provide personal details through links in unsolicited messages. Log in directly to your account through the official website.
Gift Card Scams: Scammers offer discounted gift cards or request payment via gift cards. Once the card numbers are provided, the scammer uses the balance, leaving the victim with a worthless card.
How to avoid: Purchase gift cards directly from reputable retailers and never use them as a form of payment to unknown individuals.
Create a Safer Shopping Experience
Nothing dampens the holiday spirit like fraudulent charges on your credit card or gifts that never arrive. Cybercriminals exploit the festive shopping rush, and the tendency to take more risks during this time only increases the danger. By verifying sources, checking website security, and avoiding unsolicited links, you can ensure a safer shopping experience this season.
Take Action Now: Ensure your team is aware of these scams and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect your organization and personal finances. Stay vigilant and enjoy a secure start to your shopping season!
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