Black Friday (and Cyber Monday also) are exciting times for consumers, with tempting deals and discounts flooding the internet. However, amidst the frenzy, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. In this article, we’ll explore essential tips for secure online shopping.

Urgency – “Act now or miss this opportunity!” Create the impression that if something is not done immediately, the problem will get worse or the opportunity will disappear. Time is of the essence.

~Biocatch

Coming across an unmissable deal, an unbelievable discount, the last item in stock or a limited edition piece are all easy ways to send shoppers into a frenzy. Legitimate vendors use these tactics all the time to entice tentative shoppers into a purchase. But the same tactics can be employed by scam artists and bad actors hoping to part you with your well-earned cash in exchange for, often, nothing - and at best, a low-quality item that hardly resembles what you've purchased.

By following some of the tips and tricks we recommend today, you will stand a much better chance of recognising when you are at risk of falling to a shopping scam online.

How Risky is Online Shopping?

While generally safe, there are some things that consumers need to bear in mind before they commit to an online purchase. In 2022, imposter scams, where scammers pretend to be someone they’re not (such as a trusted company or government agency) to deceive victims, were the second-most reported type of fraud to the United States' Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Consumers lost over $2.6 billion dollars to imposter scams. These scams often involve fake customer service calls, phishing emails, or messages claiming urgent action is needed.

Other online shopping scams also account for significant losses. Victims reported losing approximately $392 million in 2022, up from $246 million in 2020. Rather than fake being somebody else, scammers create illegitimate online stores or apps, often advertising popular products such as "dupes" at tempting low prices. Commonly, the victims may never receive the items they ordered or receive counterfeit goods. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are common channels for these scams. A typical scenario involves victims clicking on an ad or post on social media, expecting to receive a product. However, the item never arrives, and the scammer disappears with the money. In 2021, 59% of online shopping loss reports by people aged 18-59 indicated that the order was never received.

The Risks of Malvertising

Malvertising is a serious threat that can compromise your online security and privacy. It involves injecting malicious code or malware into legitimate online advertisements displayed on various websites. Some malvertising campaigns are designed to trick users into giving up their personal information, especially financial details like their card details. If hackers gain access to your bank account numbers or passwords, they could drain your accounts without your knowledge. Hackers could use your cards to make unauthorized purchases, and you might end up paying for transactions you didn’t make unless you regularly check your credit card bills. Malvertising can also result in the installation of viruses and other malicious software on your computer. These hidden threats could track your keystrokes, steal passwords, or even take control of your system without your awareness.

Tips for Safe Online Shopping

1. Vet the Seller: If you come across an unbelievably good deal, take a moment to research the seller. Check reviews from other buyers, visit the Better Business Bureau website, and look for any complaints. A lack of reviews or complaints could be a red flag. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Beware of Texts and Links: Be cautious if you receive texts with fantastic deals from unknown numbers. Stick to secure websites and avoid clicking on links from suspicious sources. Look for the lock icon in the URL field and ensure the URL starts with “https” (not just “http”).
3. Consider Mobile Safety: Use a private Wi-Fi connection or your smartphone’s cellular network for safer shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your browsing history and protect your data.
4. Direct Access to Websites: Always go directly to the retailer’s website rather than accessing it through links in emails or other sites. If you’re on public Wi-Fi, a VPN is your best defense against hackers stealing your personal information.

Conclusion

While we would not want you to miss out on a great offering, we also want to make sure that you know how to keep yourself safe while on a shopping spree.

Stay informed, exercise caution, and follow these safety measures to enjoy the holiday deals without falling victim to scams or malvertising. Happy shopping!

Sources

https://www.biocatch.com/blog/authority-urgency-action-scammer-recipe
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/02/new-ftc-data-show-consumers-reported-losing-nearly-88-billion-scams-2022
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1273330/median-money-lost-to-online-purchase-scams/
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2022/12/who-experiences-scams-story-all-ages
https://us.norton.com/blog/malware/malvertising
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-shop-safely-online-on-black-friday

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice and is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, reliable, current or error-free.