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Black Friday and Cyber Monday -

The well-known American custom of hunting for bargains on Black Friday has become popular around the world. Nowadays, a lot of the shopping happens online instead of in physical stores. Cyber Monday, which started in 2005 to promote online shopping, is like a continuation of the Black Friday sales.

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Increased cybercrime -

As shoppers gear up to use their credit cards, cybercriminals are fully prepared to exploit individuals seeking Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains.

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Safe shopping -

The pandemic prompted numerous Black Friday shoppers to turn to online platforms in both 2020 and 2021, as vigilant consumers sought to avoid crowds and bustling malls. It is essential to acknowledge that the economic consequences resulting from the pandemic can render individuals more vulnerable to fraudulent "deals."

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Due diligence -

During the pandemic, shoppers who have become more cautious with their spending may be prone to impulsive decisions, particularly when experiencing high levels of stress. One prevalent method used to deceive individuals involves the creation of fake website addresses resembling those of reputable retailers.

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Coupon caution -

Scammers often lure shoppers to counterfeit websites by sending tempting coupons and deals through email. However, instead of clicking links in the email, it is recommended to search for the same offer on the official websites of retailers.

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Too good to be true? -

If you receive an email offering an unbelievably good deal, it is likely a scam. Stay cautious and prioritize online safety even when tempted by enticing discounts or offers.

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Threat of identity theft -

Clicking on links in messages or social media posts may direct you to phishing sites or malware sites that could compromise your personal information or harm your computer.

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Secure your devices -

Before beginning your online shopping, ensure that your devices are secure. Computers and phones lacking strong antivirus protection are at higher risk of malware attacks. Update all your devices to the latest version instead of choosing the 'remind me later' option.

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Double-check credit card statements -

Monitor your online statements on a daily basis, and question any unfamiliar charges, regardless of their size. Keep in mind that the risk of card cloning and dishonest cashiers should not be overlooked.

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Avoid impulse shopping -

Be cautious of social media scams that can surprise people. With the holiday shopping season nearing, resist the urge to click on enticing offers that appear on your feed.

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Set up credit card alerts -

Several banks and credit card companies now provide complimentary phone notifications for any transactions occurring on your account. This enables you to promptly receive alerts and notify your bank in case of any unauthorized usage.

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Two-factor authentication -

Activate two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever available. Several prominent retailers, like Amazon, provide this added level of security for enhanced protection purposes.

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Use unique passwords -

Using the same password for all your online accounts puts you at risk. If one website or store is hacked, a cybercriminal can easily gain access to all your other accounts. Create unique, difficult-to-guess passwords for added security.

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Research before you buy -

Before entering your card details, it is important to do your due diligence on unfamiliar vendors. Conduct a quick Google search to check for any complaints against them, and consider checking customer experiences on websites like Trustpilot.

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PayPal Safety -

PayPal and similar services can safeguard against scammers, eliminating the need to enter credit card information repetitively while shopping from various vendors.

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Credit cards over debit cards -

Debit cards generally provide less fraud protection compared to credit cards. Avoid the urge to save your information for future visits. In case of a data breach on a website, your details may be compromised.

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Double-check website addresses -

Be cautious of fraudulent website URLs that may appear identical to legitimate websites. Ensure there are no misspellings or unexpected characters, such as an additional '.cc' at the end of a well-known domain name.

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Don't rush -

The saying "fools rush in" is especially valid in the realm of online activity. Cyberattacks can occur rapidly, therefore take your time and carefully examine every aspect of a website before providing any information.

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Search directly on retailer sites -

To find a bargain, try browsing through retailer websites instead of relying solely on search engines. This way, you can ensure that you won't be redirected to any questionable websites while searching for deals.

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Suspicious software -

To ensure the safety of your device, it is recommended to download software exclusively from the official store designated for your device, such as iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. Always verify the legitimacy of the app before installation and refrain from downloading software through website links or email codes.

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Use official vendor apps -

When shopping on mobile devices, it is advisable to use the official app of a trusted vendor instead of entering personal information on a mobile web browser.

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Discuss your spending -

If you share an account, it's important to talk about any purchases you've made or intend to make. Being aware of what should appear on a statement can facilitate the detection of any fraudulent actions.

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Consider shopping without an account -

Storing your passwords and personal information with multiple vendors raises the chance of becoming a victim of a data breach. Several retailers offer a 'guest' shopping alternative without requiring an account, which may be a more secure choice.

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Bookmark trusted vendors -

Save the URLs of reliable vendors' websites as bookmarks to quickly access them and avoid the potential danger of visiting counterfeit sites.

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Check delivery terms -

Online prices may appear affordable at first, but considering the delivery costs is crucial. The allure of a "must-have" item diminishes when you discover it originates from a distant location, resulting in steep delivery charges and a considerable wait time.

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Check out feedback for smaller vendors -

It is important to support independent vendors when shopping, as it benefits small businesses rather than major corporations. However, it is crucial to review online feedback and ensure the vendor has a trustworthy reputation before sharing personal information.

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Make sure sites are secure -

Before providing any information, ensure the security of websites. Search for a padlock icon in the address bar and confirm the presence of an 's' before or after 'http.' This signifies that the website has undergone encryption and is secure. While not entirely foolproof, services like Google Safe Browsing can offer an additional level of security.

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Be careful of public connections -

Some public WiFi networks lack encryption, increasing the possibility of encountering 'man-in-the-middle' attacks. Such attacks involve a malicious user positioning themselves between a client and a server, posing potential risks.

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Peace of mind -

Shopping is meant to be fun, whether you're in a physical store or online. Just make sure your security is good, and you can shop without worrying about any unpleasant surprises.

Sources: (NBC News) (Tom's Guide) (Cyber News)

See also: How to get involved with Small Business Saturday

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