Avoid Black Friday turning into Black Fraud Day……..
Black Friday and Cyber Monday’s pre-Christmas sale now stretches for the entire month of November. Whilst these events can offer incredible savings, they also bring a surge in online fraud and scams. Criminals are quick to exploit the excitement, hoping to deceive unsuspecting consumers into falling for fraudulent deals. To ensure your Christmas shopping experience is safe, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself from fraud. Black Friday scams in 2024, saw the average victim lose £700.
- Shop Only from Trusted Websites
The rise in online shopping means it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re purchasing from legitimate, well-known retailers. Avoid clicking on ads or links in unsolicited emails or social media posts, as they could lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information. Always check the URL for signs of authenticity—look for “https” and a padlock symbol in the browser address bar. And be extremely cautious about social media sales such as Facebook Marketplace.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Many retailers and payment platforms offer two-factor authentication (2FA) as an extra layer of security. By enabling this feature, you’ll make it significantly harder for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, even if they manage to steal your login credentials. Always choose strong, unique passwords for every online account.
- Be Cautious with “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals
Fraudsters often entice shoppers with unbelievable discounts, sometimes offering products at a fraction of their market price. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look for signs such as unreasonably low prices, unknown brands, or a lack of product details. A little research can help you avoid being taken in by scams.
- Counterfeit and Fake Products
Beware of fake or counterfeit products, these items can be very dangerous as they do not conform to safety standards. This year has seen an influx of the popular Labubu dolls, which are fake and have caused significant safety concerns. Please report any fake or counterfeit products to Trading Standards.
- Fake ‘winning’ notifications
Fraudsters may contact to advise you that you have won a ‘prize’ or had a ‘lottery win’. They may seek additional personal information or a ‘small payment’ so they can send you the winnings. Do not share this information – this could compromise your online security.
- Delivery Scams
Most popular at this time of year, when people are often expecting more packages and deliveries from online purchases. Messages are sent advising that the provider did not put enough postage on the item, or that the address was incomplete and may instruct you to click a link to give more information. This could lead to phishing emails or malware being installed.
- Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements
During the holiday shopping season, it’s vital to keep an eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements. Unauthorized charges or suspicious activity could be a sign of fraud. Set up alerts with your bank or credit card provider so you can be notified instantly if a transaction occurs.
- Use Secure Payment Methods
Credit cards (Section 75), debit cards (Chargeback) and reputable payment platforms like PayPal or Google Pay/Apple Pay offer buyer protection that can help recover your money if something goes wrong. Avoid direct bank payments as they offer little to no recourse if you become a victim of fraud.
- Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are rampant during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, often disguised as fake order confirmations or shipping notifications. Do not open attachments or click on links in unsolicited emails. Always verify the source before responding or providing any personal information.
- Update Your Devices
Ensure your devices are running the latest operating system and security updates. Fraudsters often exploit outdated software vulnerabilities, so make sure your devices are fully protected with the latest patches. Consider using a reputable antivirus program to further safeguard your online activity.
By staying vigilant and following these simple counter fraud measures, you can shop confidently and enjoy all the benefits Black Friday and Cyber Monday have to offer without falling victim to scams.
For further guidance and details – please visit: Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams