Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the biggest shopping events globally, offering rare discounts and significant price drops. However, recent statistics highlight a growing risk of cyber fraud, with scam websites increasing by 89% compared to last year, and nearly 80% of promotional emails being fraudulent.
This year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are expected to reach a record $75 billion, a 5% increase from last year. The surge in online shopping during November attracts scammers who lure unsuspecting shoppers with deals on websites that closely mimic trusted brands.
The FBI has issued a new advisory for online shoppers, urging caution during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. For users of Chrome, Safari, and Edge—browsers covering 95% of the U.S. market—this checklist is essential:
- Examine URLs carefully: Look for misspellings or unusual domains.
- Verify website security: Ensure the URL begins with “https://” and displays a padlock icon, confirming a secure connection.
- Research new websites: Don’t purchase from an unfamiliar site without checking reviews. Be cautious of fake reviews and dig deeper than the first ones you see.
- Scrutinize emails: Cross-check the sender against legitimate contacts and avoid clicking links you aren’t sure about.
- Be wary of QR codes: Avoid scanning and clicking on QR codes without verification.
- Limit personal information: Never provide unnecessary details like Social Security numbers and avoid inputting extra information, such as your birthday, unless required.
- Avoid unusual arrangements: Stay clear of sellers claiming to be authorized dealers in improbable regions or offering to bypass customs fees.
- Be cautious with payment methods: Always use a credit card for purchases, as it offers additional layers of security. Avoid direct money transfers to unknown sellers.
