October 2024 - Main Article:
6 Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them
October has arrived, bringing with it the approach of Cyber Monday, the most significant online shopping day of the year. Unfortunately, this time also attracts cybercriminals looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. To help you stay secure, we’re outlining six prevalent shopping scams that emerge during this season and offering tips on how to steer clear of them.
The holiday shopping season, which should be joyful, can become perilous due to the rise in scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, shopping scams ranked as the second most prevalent type of fraud in the United States in 2023. The risk of online scams escalates during the holidays, with TransUnion's 2022 Global Digital Fraud Trends report revealing a dramatic 127% surge in daily fraud attempts between November 24 and 28 compared to earlier in the year.
The surge in shopping activity during the holidays provides cybercriminals with numerous opportunities to exploit consumers. Additionally, many shoppers tend to take greater risks during this time. Norton’s 2022 Cyber Safety Insights Report indicates that nearly one-third of adults (32%) globally admit to being more reckless with online shopping as the holidays draw near. The rush to snag great deals can lead to mistakes such as clicking on questionable links, using unsecured public Wi-Fi for transactions, and ignoring warning signs about website security.
Cybercriminals anticipate these missteps and have effective strategies for stealing your information and money. Here are six scams that are particularly prevalent during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, along with ways to protect yourself.
Six Common Scams to Watch for This Holiday Season
- Counterfeit Coupons: Scammers often circulate fake coupons that promise hefty discounts through emails, social media, or imitation websites. If a deal sounds too amazing, it likely is.
Prevention Tip: Always confirm the authenticity of a coupon by checking the retailer’s official website or app. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. - Imposter Websites: Fraudulent sites replicate genuine online stores, using similar logos and URLs that only differ slightly from the real ones, to steal personal data.
Prevention Tip: Look for secure site indicators, like HTTPS and a padlock icon in the address bar. Read customer reviews and verify the site’s legitimacy before purchasing and be cautious of any strange characters in the URL. - Fake Delivery Notices: Scammers may send notifications claiming a package cannot be delivered, tricking you into revealing personal information.
Prevention Tip: Always track your orders directly through the retailer’s website or app. Be wary of clicking links in unexpected messages, and verify the authenticity of any delivery notifications you receive. - Phony Order Problem Emails: You might receive emails alleging an issue with your order, often appearing to come from well-known retailers and asking for personal details.
Prevention Tip: Contact the retailer’s customer service through official channels to confirm any order issues and refrain from providing personal information through unsolicited links. - Account Verification Requests: Scammers often send emails or texts requesting that you verify your account, which may include links to fraudulent login pages.
Prevention Tip: Never share personal details through links in unsolicited communications. Instead, log in directly to your account through the retailer’s official website. - Gift Card Schemes: Scammers frequently promote discounted gift cards or demand payment via gift cards. Once you provide the card information, they can quickly use the funds, leaving you with nothing.
Prevention Tip: Always buy gift cards directly from reputable retailers and avoid using them as payment for unknown individuals.
Enhance Your Shopping Safety This Season
Experiencing fraudulent charges on your credit card or receiving gifts from fake websites can quickly ruin the holiday spirit. Cybercriminals thrive on the excitement of the holiday shopping rush, and consumers’ tendency to take risks during this time only increases the potential for scams. By verifying sources, checking for website security, and avoiding unsolicited links, you can protect yourself and enjoy a safer shopping experience this season!
ke construction, manufacturing, and healthcare due to their inherent vulnerabilities. By understanding the factors driving these attacks and implementing strong cybersecurity practices, small business leaders can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim. Implementing MFA, adopting rigorous cybersecurity practices, verifying supplier information, and regularly training employees are key steps in defending against these threats.