As Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping frenzy, scammers are working overtime to exploit online shoppers. According to the latest reports, fraudulent websites have surged by a staggering 89% compared to last year, with nearly 80% of shopping-related emails flagged as scams. Even trusted Google search results have been compromised to redirect users to dangerous sites.
In response, the FBI has issued an urgent warning to shoppers, outlining key steps to avoid falling victim to scams during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the rest of the holiday season. For anyone using Chrome, Safari, or Edge—browsers that account for 95% of the U.S. market—this is a must-read checklist.
FBI’s Seven Key Warnings for Online Shoppers
- Verify URLs Before You Shop: Make sure the website URL is legitimate and secure, with a padlock icon in the address bar and “https://” at the beginning. Suspicious URLs or misspellings are red flags.
- Research New Websites: Never make purchases from unfamiliar websites without reading reviews. Beware of fake reviews and ensure the site is reputable.
- Check Seller Ratings on Marketplaces: Avoid sellers with negative or no feedback. Opt for those with many completed transactions and positive reviews.
- Avoid Unbelievable Deals from Overseas “Authorized Dealers”: Scammers often pose as factory reps offering deep discounts, but these are typically counterfeit goods or items that never ship.
- Be Wary of Sellers Claiming to Be Abroad: If a seller claims to be out of the country due to a “family emergency” or “business trip,” this is a common scam tactic.
- Steer Clear of Unusual Shipping or Payment Requests: Never bypass customs or pay via direct money transfers. Use credit cards for additional protection.
- Don’t Pay with Prepaid Gift Cards: Scammers often request gift card numbers and PINs, taking the funds without delivering the items.
AI-Crafted Phishing Scams on the Rise
Cybersecurity experts, including Check Point and Bitdefender, have reported a surge in phishing scams designed to mimic trusted brands. These AI-generated scams craft convincing emails, QR codes, and websites offering “deals” that seem too good to be true.
Check Point’s Five Key Tips to Spot Scams
- Double-check URLs for spelling errors or unusual domains.
- Ensure the URL begins with “https://” and shows a padlock icon.
- Verify emails by cross-referencing the sender with legitimate company contacts.
- Avoid clicking on random QR codes without verifying their source.
- Never share unnecessary personal information, like your Social Security number or date of birth.
Examples of Fake Websites Targeting Shoppers
- Stüssy: stussycanadablackfriday[.]com
- Longchamp: longchampblackfriday[.]com
- Wayfair: wayfareblackfriday[.]com
- SOREL: soreloutletblackfriday[.]com
- J.Crew: jcrewblackfriday[.]com
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