Black Friday deals are everywhere, but so are the scammers waiting to steal your money. Fraudulent websites surged by a staggering 89% from 2023 to 2024, with nearly 80% of shopping-related emails flagged as scams. The FBI and Google, as well as other cybersecurity experts are now issuing urgent warnings about which sites to avoid—and what to watch for before you click on that “buy” button.
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Cybersecurity experts from Check Point warn that many scam sites impersonate trusted brands like Stüssy, Longchamp, Wayfair, and IKEA. Threat Intelligence Company, EclecticIQ found at least 8,000 fabricated sites that lure shoppers by offering fantastic “deals” on popular brands. One site used a site similar to Wayfair’s and offered an $800 mattress for just $39. Too good to be true? Time to close that tab.
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The FBI recommends shoppers carefully check website URLs to ensure they’re legitimate and secure. Websites should display the secure connection padlock in the address bar, along with “https” at the beginning of the full address. Although these are not a 100% guarantee of a safe site, if these security indicators are missing, leave the site immediately.
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Never click on sponsored ads in search results. While many are legitimate, they also could redirect you to fake sites. Type website addresses directly into your browser instead. Research unfamiliar retailers through the Better Business Bureau before purchasing. Use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection. Never pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency—these payment methods are red flags and nearly impossible to trace or refund. Enable transaction alerts on your credit card to catch fraudulent charges quickly. If something doesn’t look right, contact the card issuer right away for resolution.
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There are also those rascally delivery scams to watch for as well. Expect those to rise this season too. If you get texts or emails saying a package is delayed or you owe a fee for delivery or customs, don’t take it as truth. Independently verify its legitimacy by checking your online account via a trusted link or phone number and get shipping status that way.
As always, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is; especially on big shopping days like Black Friday.
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