The FBI has released a warning for online shoppers to be cautious during the holiday season, specifically on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The agency has identified seven key points to watch out for when shopping online, which include:
1. Verifying the website’s legitimacy by checking the URL for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar.
2. Conducting research and reading reviews before making a purchase.
3. Being wary of sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all on auction sites or marketplaces.
4. Avoiding sellers who claim to be authorized dealers or factory reps of popular items in countries where such deals are unlikely.
5. Watching out for sellers who post an advertisement or auction as if they reside in the U.S. but then respond to questions by stating they are out of the country on business, family emergency, or similar reasons.
6. Being cautious of websites that specify unusual shipping arrangements or offer to bypass customs checks or fees and avoiding direct money transfers.
7. Not using pre-paid gift cards for purchases.
Additionally, other cybersecurity experts such as Check Point and Bitdefender have also warned about the dangers of phishing scams during the holiday season, with a surge in AI-crafted lures mimicking popular brands. They advise users to be cautious when clicking on links or entering sensitive information online.
It’s recommended that users follow these guidelines to stay safe while shopping online:
* Check URLs closely for misspellings or unusual host domains.
* Make sure the URL starts with “https” and shows a padlock icon.
* Verify sender emails against known contacts before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
* Avoid blindly clicking through QR codes.
* Never input unnecessary details such as social security numbers, and avoid entering extra info like birthdays where it’s not required.
By following these guidelines and being cautious when shopping online, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams during the holiday season. The FBI warns that if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. If you think you’ve been caught out by a scammer, report it to authorities, tell your bank, and take steps to freeze your credit and change passwords as soon as possible. Stay safe online!
Source: Forbes
