Black Friday Scams: How to Spot Fake Sellers on Amazon, Avoid Other Fraudsters

Black Friday scams are once again spreading amid the holiday shopping spree, which prompted cybersecurity experts and the U.S. government to warn consumers about fraudulent activities. Retailers are also informed about bots scooping up troves of inventory.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency noted that the holiday shopping season is a "prime opportunity" for scammers and cybercriminals to take advantage of shoppers with fake websites, malicious links, and even fake charities.

CISA suggested that shoppers should follow basic cybersecurity advice, which is to always use multi-factor authentication and double-check website addresses. In addition, it is advisable to ensure that any emails offering sales are legitimate.

CISA Director Jen Easterly said following a few guiding principles can improve one's online safety when shopping online for gifts. These include checking your devices, shopping from trusted sources, using safe purchasing methods, and following basic cyber hygiene.

Senior cyber threat intelligence analyst at Digital Shadows, Nicole Hoffman, noted that scammers have been creating malicious versions of legitimate websites to lure victims into providing personal or payment card information. Hoffman added that people are "typically distracted during the holiday season," which could cause them to loosen up their guards.

Nelson Bradley, a manager at Google Workspace Trust & Safety, said that even before Black Friday, there has been an increase in malicious activity online.

Protection From Black Friday Scams

There are usual scam red flags when shopping online that people should be aware of, such as fake sites promoting low-cost inventory. However, if the prices are too good to be true, it might be the case.

To avoid phishing scams, look for a padlock symbol to the left of the URL in your web browser. It is a sign that the site's information is encrypted. Meanwhile, an unlocked padlock means that any information you send to the site could be accessed by hackers.

Beware of emails from businesses that you have never shopped with before promoting a sale.

Websites asking for financial details without making a purchase are also fake.

Black Friday Deals Amazon

Among the retailers that go hard on online deals is Amazon, even promoting their own gadgets, kitchen gear, laptops, and tablets.

Some of Amazon's best Black Friday deals include Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones. The device features up to 12 hours of battery life. It was currently being sold at $350, which is now priced at $150, saving buyers $200.

The Vitamix 5200 Blender was also $250-off, now priced at $300. It features a 64-ounce container, with stainless steel blades.

The Apple MacBook Pro 512 GB (14 inches, M1 Pro) Laptop has also a $399 price decrease, now priced at $1,600.

The Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Laptop is also included in the list of sweet Black Friday deals on Amazon, with its $200 off now priced at $799.

Other major retailers participating in Black Friday aside from Amazon are Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Kohls, Adorama, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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