With Black Friday just a week away, shoppers are gearing up for significant deals both in stores and online, with many already participating in “special” holiday deals. However, this surge in shopping activity also attracts cybercriminals eager to exploit consumers. In order to make sure you stay safe while shopping online, it's crucial to be aware of prevalent scams and adopt protective measures.

The holiday season often sees a spike in cyber threats. In 2022, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received 800,944 reported complaints, with losses exceeding $10.3 billion.  

While not all these incidents occurred during the holidays, the holiday season is known for increased cybercriminal activity.

Common Online Shopping Scams

1. Phishing Emails: Cybercriminals send emails masquerading as reputable retailers, enticing recipients to click on malicious links or provide personal information.
2. Fake Websites: Scammers create counterfeit online stores that mimic legitimate retailers, tricking consumers into making purchases on fraudulent platforms.
1. Note: I’ve seen this a lot myself recently on Facebook Reels… sites masquerading as another will have an “ad” online that links to their “BIG SALE” (in my case, it was matching sweaters for you and your dogs). The site will look exactly like the true retailer, but if you look at the URL, it isn’t right.
3. Non-Delivery Scams: Shoppers pay for goods or services online that are never delivered.
4. Gift Card Scams: Fraudsters tamper with gift cards or offer counterfeit ones, leading to financial losses for buyers.

Tips for Safe Online Shopping

1. Verify Website Security: Ensure the website's URL begins with "https://" and look for a padlock icon, indicating a secure connection. 
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ complex passwords for online accounts and avoid reusing them across multiple sites.
3. Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or messages. Instead, navigate directly to the retailer's official website.
4. Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
5. Utilize Secure Payment Methods: Opt for credit cards or reputable payment services that offer fraud protection.
6. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your devices have the latest security updates and antivirus software installed.
7. Research Retailers: Before making a purchase from an unfamiliar site, read reviews and verify the company's legitimacy. Never be afraid to Google a retailer (example, TJMax) and revisit their website, just to be sure you’re in the right place and shopping the right deals!

By staying vigilant you can enjoy the Black Friday deals while safeguarding your personal and financial information from cyber threats.