Black Friday is one the biggest dates in the consumer calendar, with thousands of hopeful shoppers browsing retailers' websites to get the best deal and save a tidy sum in the process. Searches for ‘best black friday deals’ are up by 400% in the last month, highlighting the massive popularity of this sales day in the UK and beyond.
Cybersecurity expert, Christopher Bulvshtein, from VPNOverview reveals the top cons to look out for whilst you’re bargain hunting and how to best protect yourself from unscrupulous scammers.
Beware these five scams as you prepare for Black Friday
1. Phishing attacks
Phishing is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but unfortunately it still works. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) estimates attacks tripled from 2020 – 2021.
There have already been one million attacks in the first half of 2022. 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 is rare that these are real, and in order to protect yourself, don’t click on any links within emails. In 2022, it doesn’t matter who the links are from, it is simply not worth the risk.
Go directly to the company’s website if you suspect there might be a problem with your account that needs attention.
2. 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. They will tell you there is a problem with your account after informing you they are sending a text message to you, with a code to prove your identity.
By posing as an official company, they turn the tables on you and put you on the spot. You are expected to prove who you are, when in actual fact, they are the criminal, and they already have your password.
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 hand over a security passcode.
Be sure to use a password manager to create strong, secure, and unique passwords. Set up two-factor authentication on your essential, high-risk accounts, such as bank, credit, and shopping websites.
Never engage with suspicious callers. If in doubt, hang up – and crucially, listen for the dial tone – before calling the company back from the number listed on their official website (or the back of your card).
3. Malicious browser extensions
Many extensions are considered browser hijackers. At best, they could change your browser settings and fill your inbox with spam or phishing emails.
At worst, they could install malware on your device that compromises your accounts and online security in general. Avoid installing browser extensions that offer shopping discounts unless you are 100% certain that they’re safe, well-tested tools.
4. Little-known websites
Be wary of the websites you use to look for Black Friday deals. You will be familiar with Amazon and other big-brand names, but if you come across lesser-known websites, do your research on them first.
Check out websites like TrustPilot and look for social proof. If there’s very little information or bad reviews on the company, it is better to look elsewhere.
5. Is it definitely a discount?
Certain websites may increase their prices at the last minute, before applying a percentage discount during the sales. 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. Some products cost more during Black Friday than they ordinarily would have before the sales started so do be careful about too-good-to-true discounts.
