Cybercriminals are on the prowl again, targeting bargain hunters who aim to seize great deals online in 2024 using four black Friday scams you should know about. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The day has moved into the digital world, becoming a prime opportunity for hackers to capitalize. Following the US Thanksgiving, this day encourages exclusive deals, discounts, and shopping sprees.
Given the surge in quests for the most sensational Black Friday deals, it’s good to warn shoppers about the threat of online scams. Stay alert for the four anticipated fraudulent attacks leading to this year’s Black Friday.
1. Verification code hijacking
Hackers can trick you into giving them your information. They might pretend to be from your bank or another company you know. But hey might call you and say your account has a problem. Then, they’ll send you a code to verify your identity. If you enter the code, they can get into your account and steal your money.
To protect yourself online, use two-step verification and strong, unique passwords. If you see something suspicious, hang up the phone. Call the company back using their official number to make sure it’s really them. This simple step can help you stay safe.
2. Black Friday Phishing attacks
The frequency of phishing attacks has skyrocketed, tripling since 2020, reaching a staggering one million in just the initial six months of 2023. Phishing involves scam artists using tailored and timely emails or texts to obtain sensitive data, including passwords, account details, and credit card numbers.
It’s crucial to adopt proactive measures when safeguarding against potential threats such as phishing. Refraining from clicking on links embedded within emails is a fundamental step in protecting sensitive information. In case of an issue or concern regarding your account or any services, take the initiative to access the company’s official website directly.
By manually entering the known, secure web address into your browser, you ensure you navigate to a legitimate site and do not fall victim to deceptive links sent through emails. This approach minimizes the risk of falling into the trap of fraudulent websites disguised to resemble authentic platforms. It’s a proactive strategy that can significantly reduce the likelihood of compromising your personal information and falling prey to phishing attempts.
3. Venomous browser extensions
Cyber attackers often utilize various malevolent browser extensions to manipulate your web browser’s settings. These extensions, small software modules, can modify a browser’s functions, including the user interface, cookie handling, ad blocking, custom scripting, and web page layout. Recognizing potentially harmful extensions is essential. An increase in spam and deceptive emails might signal the presence of a malicious extension on your device. In some cases, spyware introduced by hackers could surreptitiously add extensions to your system without your knowledge.
It’s prudent to exercise caution, especially when considering browser add-ons offering Black Friday shopping discounts. Installing such extensions might pose a security risk. Therefore, it’s advisable to be discerning about the extensions you add to your browser to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and safeguard your online security.
4. Black Friday Scams Websites
Ensure you verify the legitimacy of any websites you visit, especially those offering Black Friday discounts. If you’re unfamiliar with a site, research it to validate its credibility. Some websites may falsely assert authenticity by showcasing social media endorsements, but these, too, could be compromised by Black Friday hackers.
Staying vigilant against online fraud is crucial when navigating social media. Taking additional precautions to protect your account’s privacy is essential for maintaining security. By remaining cautious and implementing extra measures, you can better safeguard your online presence.
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