Black Friday kicks off one of the most eagerly anticipated shopping seasons of the year. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are just as excited, leveraging the frenzy to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Phishing scams—fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information—spike during this time. Protecting yourself requires vigilance and awareness of common tactics.

 

1. Fake Retail Emails

Scammers often impersonate popular brands, sending emails offering “exclusive” deals or “limited time” discounts. These emails may look convincing, complete with logos and design elements of trusted retailers. Clicking on these links can lead to malicious websites designed to steal your login credentials, credit card details, or even infect your device with malware.

 

Tip: Always verify the sender’s email address and visit the retailer’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser.

 

2. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are a popular choice during the holidays, making them a target for fraud. Phishing emails or ads might claim you’ve won a free gift card but require you to provide personal details or pay a fee to claim it. These scams are designed to steal your information or money without delivering the promised reward.

 

Tip: Avoid engaging with unsolicited offers and only purchase gift cards directly from retailers.

 

3. Social Media Scams

Ads on social media platforms may promote unrealistically steep discounts on popular items. These ads often lead to phishing websites designed to mimic legitimate e-commerce sites, where any information you enter can be compromised.

 

Tip: Verify the legitimacy of online stores by checking reviews, examining the URL, and looking for security indicators such as “https://” and a padlock icon.

 

4. Delivery Notifications

Phishing emails or texts claiming to be from shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, or USPS are prevalent during the holidays. These messages might alert you to a “missed delivery” or “failed delivery” and ask you to click on a link to reschedule or track the package. In reality, the link could download malware or request sensitive information.

 

Tip: If you receive an unexpected notification, contact the delivery company directly through their official channels to verify.

 

5. Charity Scams

The holiday season is a time for giving, and scammers exploit this generosity by creating fake charity websites or sending phishing emails requesting donations. These fraudulent campaigns often play on emotions and urgency to convince victims to act quickly.

 

Tip: Research charities thoroughly through platforms like Charity Navigator or Guidestar and donate directly via their official websites.

 

6. Pop-Up Ads and Coupon Offers

Pop-up ads and emails promising deep discounts through special coupons might seem tempting but could be phishing attempts. Clicking these links can expose your device to malware or redirect you to fraudulent websites.

 

Tip: Use trusted coupon and deal sites, and avoid clicking on pop-ups or unsolicited offers.

 

7. Mail Scams

Scammers will also send fraudulent bills impersonating a real company or claiming services have been rendered with a new company. It is common for these scammers to then call to follow up on the bill they have sent, making the claim seem more legitimate.

 

Tip: If you receive a bill that you weren’t expecting or don’t recognize, contact the company directly. Do not use any contact information provided in the letter as it could be a fraudulent website, email, or phone number.

 

How to Stay Safe

  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Keep Software Updated: Ensure your devices and antivirus software are up to date.
  • Inspect URLs Carefully: Look for slight misspellings or unusual domain names.
  • Use Strong Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
  • Educate Yourself and Others: Share awareness of these scams with friends and family.

This Black Friday, enjoy your shopping but remain cautious. Scammers rely on distraction and urgency, but a little skepticism and diligence can keep you safe. If something feels off, trust your instincts—those “too-good-to-be-true” deals might just be a trap.

Have you taken steps to protect your information? Contact us at Computek for a free 15-minute discovery call to ensure your company data is protected from cybercriminals! Book online here or call 512-869-1155.