San Francisco, California – As Black Friday descends upon us, the FBI has issued an urgent warning to millions of shoppers about the increasing risks of online scams. Recent reports reveal a staggering 89% surge in scam websites compared to last year, with nearly 80% of shopping offers flooding inboxes turning out to be fraudulent. To make matters worse, Google search results are being manipulated to direct unsuspecting shoppers to dangerous websites.
In light of these alarming trends, the FBI has released a comprehensive checklist of sellers to steer clear of during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the entire holiday season. This checklist serves as a vital tool for online safety, especially for users of Chrome, Safari, and Edge, which command a whopping 95% of the U.S. browser market.
The FBI’s checklist outlines seven key points to consider before making any online purchases to protect yourself during the holiday shopping frenzy. Recommendations include verifying the legitimacy and security of websites by checking for a secure connection padlock and ensuring the URL commences with “https.” Additionally, shoppers are urged to research sellers, avoid unfamiliar auction sites, be cautious of sellers operating outside the US, and refrain from making payments with pre-paid gift cards.
According to Check Point’s cyber research team, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts during the holiday season, with a staggering 89% increase in Black Friday-related websites compared to the previous year. These fraudulent sites often impersonate reputable brands and pose a significant threat to unsuspecting consumers. Check Point has also provided a five-point checklist to help shoppers identify potential threats and avoid falling victim to scams.
Moreover, the proliferation of AI-generated phishing scams has made it easier for cybercriminals to lure consumers with enticing offers that turn out to be fraudulent. With an overwhelming majority of Black Friday-themed marketing emails now classified as scams, shoppers are urged to exercise caution and be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals.
In conclusion, as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, it is more crucial than ever for consumers to remain vigilant and follow the FBI’s guidelines to protect themselves from online scams and cyber threats. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam. Stay safe and secure while shopping online this holiday season.