As Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping frenzy, the FBI has issued an urgent warning for online shoppers.
With scam websites surging by 89% compared to last year, and nearly 80% of Black Friday offers being fraudulent, staying vigilant is more important than ever.
How to Spot and Avoid Scams
To help you shop safely, the FBI has provided a checklist of seven key tips for identifying fraudulent websites and sellers:
- Check URLs Carefully: Ensure the website address starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon in the address bar. Avoid sites with misspelled or unusual domain names.
- Research New Websites: Before buying from a site for the first time, look for reliable reviews. Be cautious, as fake reviews are common.
- Avoid Suspicious Sellers: On auction sites, steer clear of sellers with little to no feedback or mostly negative ratings.
- Watch for Fake Authorizations: Be wary of sellers claiming to be authorized dealers in unlikely locations. Many such operations ship counterfeit goods—or nothing at all.
- Beware of Overseas Addresses: Sellers who claim to be based in the U.S. but respond with international contact details are likely running a scam.
- Say No to Unusual Payment Methods: Only use secure payment options like credit cards. Avoid direct money transfers and prepaid gift cards.
- Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Deals: Offers that bypass customs fees or promise extravagant savings should raise red flags.
Additional Warnings for Online Shoppers
According to Check Point Research, phishing and scam attempts have become increasingly sophisticated. This year, fraudulent Black Friday-related websites have surged, many impersonating trusted brands. Examples include:
- Fake Stüssy Website: stussycanadablackfriday[.]com
- Fake Wayfair Website: wayfareblackfriday[.]com
- Fake J.Crew Website: jcrewblackfriday[.]com
These sites lure unsuspecting shoppers with time-sensitive deals, only to steal their data or money. Always verify the authenticity of links before clicking.
Key FBI Recommendations
The FBI emphasizes these critical safety tips:
- Check email senders carefully and avoid clicking on unknown links.
- Refrain from entering sensitive personal information unless absolutely necessary.
- Stay cautious with QR codes, which scammers use to direct you to malicious websites.
Staying Safe This Holiday Season
Cybercriminals are using AI-crafted phishing emails and scam offers to deceive shoppers. These tactics are designed to mimic trusted brands and create urgency. The FBI reminds everyone: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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