Consumers warned of potential scams ahead of Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales
As the annual tradition of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales approaches, shoppers are being warned to be vigilant of potential scams. Michael Dinich, the founder of Wealth of Geeks, a personal finance site, has cautioned that cybercriminals often take advantage of the increased volume of transactions during the busy shopping period.
One of the most common scams involves urgent requests for updated billing information. Scammers may send emails posing as retailers, asking for updated billing information in an attempt to trick shoppers into entering their bank details into a fake website. Wealth of Geeks advised shoppers to contact the retailer directly to ensure they are receiving legitimate information.
Another scam to watch out for involves fake websites advertising deals on popular products. Shoppers may be tricked into paying for items that they will never receive and exposing their payment information. Wealth of Geeks suggested shoppers confirm the legitimacy of products and sellers through the Better Business Bureau.
Phishing emails and fake package tracking notifications are other tactics that cybercriminals may use to trick shoppers into disclosing sensitive information or infect their devices with malware.
According to Wealth of Geeks, shoppers should also be cautious of instant messages with links to supposedly great deals and fake charities seeking donations. Scammers may impersonate social media profiles and participate in “review exchange” clubs to mislead shoppers.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, shoppers should be aware of potential scams targeting well-meaning efforts to give to charities. Wealth of Geeks advised shoppers to be cautious of charities that only accept gift cards, wire transfers, and cryptocurrency.
Additionally, consumers are being warned to beware of unauthorized sellers and to only purchase gift cards from retailers’ official stores or websites to avoid the risk of purchasing empty or stolen gift cards.
As the holiday shopping season kicks off, consumers are being urged to be extra vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of retailers and deals before making any purchases. We hope you enjoy your holiday shopping and utilize these tips to protect yourself during the busiest shopping period of the year.