Stay Safe While Shopping Online – Tips for Smart Shopping Black Friday 2024

As Black Friday and the holiday shopping season approach, it’s more important than ever to stay safe while shopping online. In 2023 alone, scammers stole £85.9 million through online purchase scams, with 92% of these frauds originating on the internet. To help you protect your finances, personal information, and peace of mind, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips to address this growing threat.

SIX STEPS TO STAYING CYBER SAFE

1. Avoid Unsolicited Emails

Scammers frequently use phishing emails to trick unsuspecting shoppers. These emails often contain offers that seem too good to be true or urgent messages designed to provoke panic.

• Tip: Don’t open emails from unknown senders or click on suspicious links.
• Why: These scams can direct you to phishing sites that steal your personal or financial information.

Additionally, be especially wary of emails with misspellings or offers that demand immediate action.

2. Beware of Unrealistic Deals

That “70% off the latest smartphone” deal might seem irresistible, but scammers often create fake offers to bait victims.

• Tip: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify offers on trusted websites or directly with the retailer.
• Why: Fraudsters use fake deals to steal your payment information.

Furthermore, take the time to research unfamiliar retailers before making a purchase.

3. Shop on Trusted Websites

Not all online stores are created equal. Sticking to reputable websites can reduce your chances of falling victim to scams.

• Tip: Only shop on sites you know and trust. Avoid clicking on links in emails or adverts from unknown sources.
• Why: Untrusted websites might be set up to steal your card details or infect your device with malware.

To be extra cautious, bookmark the official websites of your favourite brands. This helps you avoid typo-squatting scams, where fraudsters create lookalike URLs.

4. Verify Website Security

When shopping online, always confirm the security of the website before entering your personal or payment information.

• Tip: Check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser bar.
• Why: These symbols indicate a secure connection, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data.

On the other hand, if these security indicators are missing, avoid the site altogether.

5. Think Before You Click

Impulse buying is tempting during Black Friday, but quick clicks can lead to costly mistakes. Fraudsters often exploit excitement and urgency to lure shoppers into traps.

• Tip: Take a moment to assess the legitimacy of offers before clicking.
• Why: Scammers use links in social media posts, adverts, and messages to redirect you to malicious websites.

By pausing to evaluate, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these tactics.

6. Share Awareness

Protecting yourself is essential, but educating others about these dangers is equally important.

• Tip: Share this information with friends and family to spread awareness.
• Why: The more people who understand online shopping scams, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to succeed.

By helping others stay informed, you contribute to a safer online shopping environment.

Black Friday can be a fantastic opportunity to snag great deals, but it’s also a prime time for scammers…

However, you can enjoy a stress-free shopping experience by following the tips in our guide – Black Friday Cyber Safety. Always remember: think before you click, shop smart, and stay safe.

For additional guidance, refer to resources from trusted organisations like Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud, and Get Safe Online, which provides practical advice for staying secure on the internet.

At Continuity of Care Services (CCS), we’re committed to helping our community, not just in care, but in staying informed and secure. Let’s make this holiday season one of joy, not regret. For more advice, stay tuned to our blog or contact us for any queries. Together, we can ensure a safe and happy shopping experience.

If you find these tips helpful, share this post to keep your loved ones safe this Black Friday!