With billions of pounds expected to be spent during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this November, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm over a surge in sophisticated online scams targeting eager bargain hunters.
The Growing Threat of Sales Season Fraud
The period, which sees massive discounts on everything from electronics to toys, is a prime target for fraudsters due to the high volume of online transactions. Neil Bayliss, director of IT support experts Hubtel, warns that the rush to secure a deal can make shoppers more vulnerable to increasingly cunning criminal tactics designed to steal their cash.
Black Friday officially falls on November 28 this year, but many major retailers have already begun rolling out promotions. This extended shopping window provides more opportunities for scammers to operate.
Key Red Flags Every Shopper Must Spot
Bayliss has outlined several critical warning signs that consumers must be vigilant for. Spelling errors and broken links on a website are major red flags, indicating a potential lack of professionalism and legitimacy.
Other crucial signs include a lack of verifiable customer reviews, suspiciously low prices that seem too good to be true, and poor-quality website design and functionality. Shoppers should also be wary of sites that lack secure payment options like credit cards or PayPal.
"We all have our part to play in ensuring cybersecurity," Bayliss stated, emphasising that anyone can fall victim to a scam.
Your Essential Guide to Safe Online Shopping
To stay protected, consumers are advised to adhere to several golden rules. First and foremost, always ensure the website has the HTTPS prefix in the address bar, which signifies that your data is encrypted.
It is also vital to avoid making purchases over unsecured connections, such as public Wi-Fi spots. Using secure payment methods, particularly credit cards which offer greater financial protection, is highly recommended.
Bayliss added that advances in technology and artificial intelligence are making scams harder to detect than ever. He advises shoppers to pay close attention to details like the retailer's contact information and terms and conditions, and to remain alert for the common fraud red flags.
Ultimately, the best defence is to shop with trusted brands and websites while maintaining a healthy scepticism towards deals that appear excessively generous.
