Black Friday is here, marking the start of the holiday shopping season. However, online shoppers face more dangers than ever before. According to recent reports, scam websites have surged by 89% compared to last year, and nearly 80% of shopping offers flooding inboxes are fraudulent. To make matters worse, even Google search results have been manipulated to direct users to dangerous websites.
In light of these threats, the FBI has released an urgent warning for online shoppers. With 95% of US internet users browsing via Chrome, Safari, and Edge, this advice is essential for staying safe during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season.
Here are seven critical tips from the FBI to protect yourself while shopping online:
1. Check the Website URL Carefully
Before purchasing, make sure the website is legitimate and secure. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the URL starts with “https.” If the website looks suspicious or the URL doesn’t match the store name, steer clear.
2. Research First-Time Sellers
Don’t trust a website you’re visiting for the first time without doing proper research. Look for online reviews, but remember that some reviews may be fake. Read multiple sources to get an accurate picture of the seller’s legitimacy.
3. Be Cautious on Marketplace Sites
When shopping on auction platforms or online marketplaces, avoid sellers with poor feedback ratings or no reviews. Opt for sellers with a solid track record of completed transactions and positive reviews.
4. Beware of Unrealistic Deals
Scammers often pose as authorized dealers or factory representatives of popular items in regions where such deals wouldn’t exist. These shops either never ship your order or send counterfeit goods.
5. Watch Out for Overseas Sellers with Excuses
Some fraudsters pretend to operate from the U.S. but claim to be overseas due to a “business trip” or “family emergency.” This is a common scam. Stick to sellers with verified domestic contact information.
6. Avoid Unusual Shipping Arrangements
Be wary of sellers offering unconventional shipping methods or those claiming to bypass customs fees. Always use secure payment methods, preferably credit cards, which provide buyer protection.
7. Don’t Use Prepaid Gift Cards for Payments
Scammers may ask you to pay using gift cards, requesting the card number and PIN. Once they have this information, they’ll steal the funds, and you’ll never receive the item you ordered.
Stay Safe and Shop Smart
While the holiday season is a time for joy and gift-giving, it’s also a prime opportunity for online scams. Following these FBI-recommended guidelines can help you enjoy a safe and secure shopping experience. Remember, it’s better to be cautious than to fall victim to fraud.
