Black Friday Scams : Tips to avoid
Black Friday Scams: How Cybercriminals Are Targeting Online Shoppers and Retailers
As Black Friday Scams approach, shoppers and businesses are gearing up for big sales, but so are cyber-criminals. This guide dives into the most common Black Friday scams, how they target consumers and businesses, and what both groups can do to stay safe.
Common Black Friday Scams Targeting Shoppers and Retailers
Fake Deals & Counterfeit Websites
Fake websites posing as popular retailers pop up with “too-good-to-be-true” discounts. These scams trick shoppers into entering credit card information or logging into fake accounts, leading to data theft or fraudulent charges.
Check URLs carefully, ensuring they start with “https” and display the correct domain name
Phishing Emails and SMS
Phishing campaigns ramp up, with messages promising exclusive deals. They often contain links that direct users to cloned websites or ask them to download malware-infested attachments
We recommend verifying emails and links by hovering over them and avoid downloading attachments from unknown senders.
Social Media Scams
Fake ads and influencer accounts on social media lure shoppers to scam sites with incredible discounts. These deals often result in no product delivery or stolen data.
Tip: Follow official brand accounts and look for verification symbols on social platforms.
How Retailers Can Help Protect Their Customers From Black Friday Scams
Educating Customers on Safe Shopping
Retailers can play a big role by sharing information on common scams and how to recognise them. Encourage shoppers to verify links, check website security, and avoid oversharing personal information.
Send an email to your customers with tips on how to spot scams and protect themselves while shopping online.
Strengthening Online Transaction Security
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be a game-changer, making it harder for cybercriminals to access accounts. Retailers should implement MFA and secure checkout systems with SSL certificates to provide a safe shopping experience.
Retailers can remind customers to set up strong passwords and use MFA on their accounts.
Investing in Fraud Detection Software
Fraud detection software monitors customer transactions for unusual activity, like multiple attempts from the same IP address. It’s essential for protecting both the business and the customer.
Essential Cybersecurity Measures for Retailers During Black Friday
Real-Time Monitoring
Retailers should have real-time monitoring tools in place to detect and respond to potential breaches. This can include tracking high-traffic volumes or unusual purchase patterns that might indicate a bot attack or fraud attempt.
Security Audits & Updates
Before the shopping season, it’s vital to conduct a full security audit. Address vulnerabilities, update firewalls, and test payment gateways to ensure they are secure.
Quick Tips for Shoppers to Stay Safe
Stick to Trusted Websites
Always shop from verified sites and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Check Payment Security
Look for the “https” in the URL and the padlock icon when entering payment information.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases
Public networks are easy targets for cybercriminals, so advise readers to use a VPN if they need to shop on the go.
Protect Your Customers and Your Business This Black Friday 🛡️
With cyber threats on the rise, now is the time to make cybersecurity a priority. Protecting your customers means protecting your business reputation and operations. Implement secure checkout processes, fraud detection tools, and real-time monitoring to create a safer shopping environment.
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Reach out today to see how our tailored cybersecurity solutions can defend your business from Black Friday threats and beyond.
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