With the holiday shopping season just around the corner, shoppers are preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest retail days of the year. But this year, there’s more than just hot deals and discounts on consumers' minds – there’s also the looming threat of scams and fraudulent activities. Experts warn shoppers to stay cautious as they navigate the maze of online sales and discounts.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Michigan was among the first to sound the alarm this season, highlighting how online purchase scams have become alarmingly common. “Scammers have started using artificial intelligence to make them seem even more legitimate,” said Katie Grevious, Marketing and Communications Manager with the BBB. “Things may all look the same until they’re not.”
This year, scammers have found new ways to exploit the eager shopper, tempting them with ads on social media platforms. For example, fake advertisements for legitimate companies like The North Face have been spotted, featuring unbelievable discounts – up to 80% off, which is often too good to be true.
Meanwhile, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued warnings about the rising tide of fraudulent activities during the Black Friday shopping frenzy. A recent report revealed over £11.5 million was lost to online scams during the 2023 holiday season. This marks an almost £1 million increase compared to last year, highlighting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals.
Among the most concerning tactics are bogus websites and phishing emails targeted at unsuspecting victims. These deceptive tactics direct victims to counterfeit web addresses, which can look remarkably similar to legitimate business sites. For example, the criminals use domains like “northfacedeals.shop” instead of the official North Face website to trick consumers.
Similarly, Trend Micro, a cybersecurity company, warns about scam ads on social media platforms, bogus websites, gift card scams, and fake delivery alerts. Gift cards remain prime targets for fraudsters because they are difficult to trace and can’t be refunded once purchased. “If you’re interested in purchasing gift cards, it’s best to navigate to the store's website yourself or buy them in person,” they advise.
Fake delivery alerts have also made their comeback this season, with scammers sending out text messages claiming delivery issues. Unsuspecting shoppers receive texts saying their parcels are on hold due to missing information. These texts often include links leading to fraudulent websites, which attempt to harvest the victim's personal data.
Richard Horne, the Chief Executive of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre, stated, “The festive season has become prime time for cybercriminals as consumers hunt for deals. Fraudsters are targeting bargain hunters with increasingly sophisticated scams, sometimes crafted using AI, making them harder to detect.” Horne went on to recommend shoppers thoroughly research seller reviews and exercise caution when engaging with online offers.
According to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting center, social media platforms are particularly problematic during this time, with 7,168 reports related to scams filed from November to January. Most reported scams involve clothing and high-end tech products, with victims averaging £695 lost per incident.
The NCSC’s guidelines encourage shoppers to take their time and avoid making rushed purchases. Quick decisions often lead to missed red flags, such as unusual URLs or multiple spelling errors on websites.
Lord Hanson, Fraud Minister, emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “Our message to anyone shopping online as we approach Black Friday is simple: if you come across anything suspicious, stop what you’re doing, break contact, and do not click any links.” This assertion resonates with many consumers who find themselves overwhelmed by the multitude of deals and the pressure of holiday shopping.
So, how can shoppers protect themselves during this festive season? Experts recommend several strategies: be wary of urgency tactics used by scammers, research companies thoroughly before purchasing, and utilize secure payment methods when shopping online. Using credit cards instead of bank transfers can offer consumers more protections if something goes wrong.
Not only can due diligence save money, but it can also save personal information from falling victim to the widespread scams. “We’re naturally trusting as people,” noted Michigan State Police Lieutenant DuWayne Robinson. “This trust can make us susceptible to scams, especially when they appear authentic.”
Now more than ever, it's important for consumers to approach online shopping with skepticism, especially as their friends share what seem like amazing deals across social media and messaging apps. Those purported deals might come from compromised accounts masquerading as trustworthy sources, leading them to unknowingly spread misinformation.
With large numbers of consumers intent on snagging the best deals, experts stress the need to prioritize safety over savings. Shoppers have access to tools like the BBB’s scam tracker to verify the legitimacy of deals and to report any suspicious activities.
This year, stay informed and cautious as you prepare to hit the digital aisles. The thrill of discount shopping shouldn’t come at the expense of security; ensuring your online safety means the holiday season will be merry and fraud-free.
Looking ardently toward Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s not just about unearthing bargains but also about approaching each potential deal with careful scrutiny to evade the elaborate traps laid out by scammers.
