The days either side of the Thanksgiving weekend – commonly referred to as Black Friday and Cyber Monday – have become the busiest online shopping days of the year in the Western world. Whilst the potential to truly ‘bag a bargain’ is up for debate, one certainty is that these shopping events present a perfect opportunity for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Shoppers can be targeted in a variety of ways, but here are some of the most common threats to look out for:
1. Phishing Scams:
– Fake Emails: Scammers often send fake emails that appear to be from legitimate retailers, urging you to click on malicious links or download attachments.
– Fake Websites: They may create fake websites that mimic popular online stores to steal your personal and financial information.
2. Counterfeit Goods:
– Online marketplaces may sell counterfeit goods that don’t meet quality standards or are even hazardous.
3. Inflated Prices:
– Some sellers may artificially inflate prices before offering discounts, making it seem like you’re getting a better deal than you actually are.
4. Shipping Scams:
– Non-Delivery: Scammers may take your payment but never ship the product.
– Delayed Shipping: Sellers may deliberately delay shipping to avoid refunds or charge additional fees.
5. Social Media Scams:
– Scammers may use social media to promote fake contests and giveaways to collect personal information or install malware.
How To Shop Safely Online
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to take precautions when shopping online:
- Shop From Reputable Retailers: Do some research around online retailers and choose reputable stores with good customer reviews.
- Check Website Security: Ensure the website you’re shopping on uses https encryption to protect your data and, if possible, check the certificate is valid.
- Secure Your Devices: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep your software and antivirus software up-to-date.
- Use A Secure WiFi Network: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online shopping, as it may not be secure, or use a VPN connection instead.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always use a credit card in preference to a debit card as they offer better fraud protection. Also, there is a better chance of getting a refund if you don’t receive the products or services you paid for, if they are faulty, or if they don’t match the description provided.
- Be Sceptical Of ‘Special’ Deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of sales techniques that promote a feeling of urgency e.g. ‘last chance to buy’ or ‘only 1 remaining’ as this encourages snap decisions which are more likely to result in poor judgement.
Online shopping offers a multitude of benefits that have transformed the way we shop. With just a few clicks, you can access a vast array of products from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and effort. However, as with all online interactions, it’s vital to be aware of the risks involved and to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!!!!
For Further Information or advice, please contact the Magikos IT Team or fill in the form below and we will contact you.
Tel: 01344 204019
Email: info@magikos.co.uk