As everyone begins to prepare for the annual Black Friday sales event, online retailers are already putting their deals in place for November 25.
However, buying products online also provide scammers with the perfect opportunity to take advantage of peoples money. The Daily Record reports that Google searches for 'best Black Friday deals' rocketed up by 400 per cent in the last four weeks.
Experts at VPNOverview have shared the top five scams people should watch out for in the online sphere. Scammers tactics are becoming much more sophisticated, and could steal personal and financial information.
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Cybersecurity Expert, Christopher Bulvshtein, from VPNOverview, shares five things to look out for ahead of Black Friday. These scams include phishing attacks, fake websites, untrustworthy browser extensions and verification code hijacking.
The five Black Friday scams to watch out for
Phishing Attacks
Expert Christopher explained that phishing is one of the oldest tricks scammers can use to fool people - but it still works. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) estimates that attacks tripled from 2020 – 2021.
There have already been one million attacks in the first half of 2022. Christopher said: “Cybercriminals have become adept at perfectly timing and tailoring phishing emails or texts towards specific events throughout the year, including Black Friday.
“Expect to see emails from Amazon asking you to update your payment information, for example. You might also receive emails that look like a genuine delivery notification with pending delivery charges. It’s rare that these are real.”
To protect yourself, do not click on emails that contain links. Go directly to the website you want to visit, if you suspect the email has possibly hijacked your account.
Verification code hijacking
One common scam is for a malicious caller to pose as your bank or another company with whom you hold an account. The scammers will tell you that there is an issue with your account, and then say they are texting you to prove your identity.
Posing as an official company, the scammers turn the tables and can access your password with one click. That code you’re handing over will allow them to process a payment or log into your account with two-factor authentication.
Unfortunately, many companies will no longer refund customers who willingly handed over a security passcode. Be sure to use a password manager to create strong, secure, and unique passwords.
By turning on two-factor authentication, you can protect your accounts that include information on bank accounts and credit cards. Also, never engage with suspicious callers.
If in doubt, hang up before calling the company back from the number listed on their official website.
Malicious browser extensions
Many extensions on computers can be considered as browser hackers. In the best case scenario, scammers can change your browser settings and fill your inbox with phishing emails.
On the other hand, they can install malware on your device and compromise your accounts - and online security in general.
Christopher has advised against installing extensions that offer discounts, unless you are certain they are safe.
Little-known websites
You need to also be wary of the websites you are using to find Black Friday deals. If you come across lesser-known websites, research them first before spending any money.
Check out websites like TrustPilot and look for social media proof. If there’s very little information, or bad reviews, on the company, it’s better to look elsewhere.
Is it definitely a discount?
Certain legitimate websites can increase their prices at the last minute, before adding a discount to say they have 'slashed their prices'. The resulting price makes it appear as if you’re getting a good deal.
In reality, the product could be equally as expensive as it was before the sale began, except now it has an appealing discount sticker. Keep an eye on prices on the lead up to Black Friday, and don't pay more than you think is necessary.
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