As Black Friday approaches, eager bargain hunters are gearing up to snag the best deals online. But with the excitement of holiday shopping also comes the risk of cyber threats, as cybercriminals see this busy time as an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from potential risks while scoring your favorite holiday deals.
The Growing Threat: Cybercrime During Black Friday
Authorities are already sounding the alarm about the risks associated with online shopping during the festive season. Cybersecurity agencies, including the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Canadian Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), have warned that cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including leveraging AI to create more convincing scams, malicious ads, and spoofed websites. In the United States, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued advisories to stay vigilant against ransomware attacks during holiday periods when many businesses operate with minimal staff. Cybercriminals take advantage of widely celebrated holidays like Black Friday to launch impactful attacks.
What’s New About AI Scams?
Modern AI tools have made it easier for scammers to create:
- Convincing fake websites that look identical to real stores
- Personalized phishing emails that sound like they’re from legitimate companies
- Realistic-looking social media ads with too-good-to-be-true deals
- Counterfeit shopping apps that mimic popular retailers
- Fake customer service chatbots that steal your information
Top Black Friday Scams and How to Avoid Them
During the bustling shopping period that spans Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, online sales hit record highs, and cybercriminals follow the money trail. Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for and ways to protect yourself.
1. Phishing Emails and Social Media Scams
Phishing attacks often involve fake emails or social media messages that mimic legitimate promotional offers or shipping notifications. These messages are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card details, or to download malware onto your device. Common tactics include sending fake order confirmations or gift card scams, which pressure recipients to act quickly by purchasing gift cards to resolve a fabricated issue.
- Verify Before You Click: Always check the sender’s email address and look for typos or inconsistencies in logos and branding. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don’t Rush: Scammers use urgency to pressure you into acting without thinking. Take a moment to verify any email or message that claims you need to make a payment or resolve an issue.
- Avoid Unverified Links: Go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking on links in emails or social media posts.
2. Spoofed Websites and Fake Online Stores
Fake websites that imitate popular online retailers pop up frequently during the Black Friday shopping season. These sites may look identical to the real thing, but their sole purpose is to steal your payment information.
- Check the URL: Make sure the website’s URL starts with “https” and matches the official domain name. Look for trust seals or security badges, which can indicate a secure site.
- Shop at Trusted Retailers: Stick to well-known stores and verify any unfamiliar ones by reading reviews or checking with the Better Business Bureau.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card, which offers better fraud protection than a debit card.
3. Malicious Ads (Malvertising) and E-Skimming
Malicious advertisements can infiltrate legitimate websites, leading you to infected sites that install malware on your device. E-skimming occurs when hackers insert malicious code into payment pages on legitimate eCommerce sites, stealing your credit card information during checkout.
- Block Ads: Use a reputable ad blocker to reduce the risk of encountering malvertising.
- Review Payment Page Security: Before entering payment details, ensure the site uses secure encryption by checking for “https” in the URL and looking for a padlock icon.
- Enable Transaction Alerts: Set up alerts with your bank to detect unauthorized charges quickly.
4. Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud
During the busy holiday season, identity theft and credit card fraud rise sharply. Cybercriminals use stolen personal information to make fraudulent purchases or open accounts in your name.
- Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements: Regularly check your accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately.
- Use Digital Wallets: Digital payment methods like Apple Pay or PayPal provide an extra layer of security by masking your credit card details.
- Implement Strong Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for each of your online accounts and consider using a password manager.
Shopping Safely: Additional Precautions for Black Friday Shoppers
Here are some extra tips to keep your online shopping secure during the holiday season:
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When shopping online, use a secure network to protect your personal information. Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password.
- Update Your Devices: Ensure that your computer, smartphone, and apps have the latest security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Know the Return Policy: Before making any purchase, check the retailer’s return and refund policy to avoid potential issues if you encounter a scam.
Stay Safe While Saving
While Black Friday is a fantastic time to grab deals, it’s also a time to be extra cautious. By understanding common threats and following these safety tips, you can enjoy your holiday shopping while minimizing the risks. Remember, If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate retailers won’t pressure you into quick decisions or require unusual payment methods. Take your time, verify offers, and trust your instincts.
The best defense against AI scams is a careful, methodical approach to holiday shopping. Create a budget, make a list of what you want to buy, and stick to trusted retailers. A missed deal is better than falling victim to a scam.