Holiday shopping scams surge during Black Friday, targeting unsuspecting consumers.
From fake e-shops offering too-good-to-be-true deals to smishing scams and fraudulent charities, scammers exploit the season’s generosity.
Cybersecurity expert Leyla Bilge shares three key tips to identify and evade these scams, protecting your wallet and personal information this holiday season.
Content Highlights
- Fake E-Shops: Signs include unrealistic discounts, inconsistent payment methods, and suspicious URLs.
- Smishing Scams: Fraudulent messages from fake delivery services demand personal info or payments.
- Charity Scams: Scammers mimic reputable charities to steal donations—verify all claims before donating.
- Expert Tips: Use secure URLs, verify sellers and charities, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links.
According to Leyla Bilge, Director at Norton’s Scam Research Labs, nearly 30% of online scams occur on Black Friday, making it the most dangerous shopping day of the year.
Here’s how to stay vigilant and protect yourself against three common scams this holiday season.
1. Beware of Fake E-Shops
Cybercriminals craft convincing fake e-shops, luring consumers with deals that seem too good to be true.
“It’s very easy to create a fake e-shop that looks incredibly realistic,” Bilge explains. “Even professionals sometimes struggle to distinguish them.”
Key warning signs include:
- Unbelievable Discounts: A $100 item offered for $10 is a red flag.
- Payment Inconsistencies: Scammers often request gift cards or unusual payment methods like PayPal on checkout, despite advertising multiple options initially.
- Suspicious URLs: Fake retailers mimic trusted brands but with subtle changes, such as “Amazonbeautifulverycool.com” instead of “Amazon.com.”
How to Stay Safe
- Verify unfamiliar sites using tools like Norton Genie or Reddit’s scam forum (/r/scams).
- Ensure URLs start with “https” and display a lock icon in the browser bar.
- Cross-check businesses through Google or the Better Business Bureau.
2. Smishing” Scams Target Holiday Packages
With a spike in holiday deliveries, fraudsters exploit consumers through fake messages claiming issues with their packages.
“They’ll say there’s a payment problem or request additional funds to steal your money or information,” Bilge warns.
These scams often come via texts or emails disguised as legitimate notifications from UPS, Amazon, or USPS.
How to Spot Them
- Check the sender’s details. Legitimate companies won’t use random email addresses like “[email protected].”
- Avoid links in unsolicited messages. USPS, for example, doesn’t send links unless explicitly requested by the customer.
How to Stay Safe
- If unsure, contact the delivery service directly using their official website or app.
3. Charity Scams Prey on Generosity
Scammers often impersonate reputable charities or invent fake organizations to solicit donations, especially during the giving season.
“These scams exploit people’s goodwill after high-profile disasters,” the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notes.
Red Flags
- Donation requests via cash, gift cards, or wire transfers.
- Charities with names that closely mimic reputable organizations.
How to Stay Safe
- Donate via check or credit card for traceability.
- Verify charity details through official resources like Charity Navigator or Norton Genie.
Stay Vigilant This Holiday Season
As online shopping peaks, so does the sophistication of scams. By remaining cautious and using trusted tools to verify websites, emails, and charities, shoppers can safely enjoy holiday deals without falling victim to fraud.
Stay informed and protect yourself—because a great deal should never cost you your peace of mind.