A significant weekend of shopping is approaching, as Black Friday 2025 is set to start tomorrow, on November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts across various categories such as technology, fashion, and home appliances, presenting a great opportunity for consumers to secure significant savings. However, it also marks a period where fraudulent activities peak.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the hype surrounding Black Friday, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. In an effort to combat the rising threat of online scams, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary notice, with Amazon now joining in with its own crucial alert.
In an email distributed to users, as reported by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the busy shopping season, providing tips to help identify impersonation scams. These scams involve scammers posing as reputable companies in an attempt to extract sensitive information like personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon highlights that cybercriminals utilize a range of strategies during Black Friday to exploit unwary consumers. These tactics include sending fake delivery notifications, prompting users to update their shopping accounts, or creating a sense of urgency to address non-existent issues.
Individuals who fall prey to these schemes may inadvertently disclose highly sensitive information, enabling scammers to carry out financial fraud or gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Among the prevalent scams observed in November, Amazon warns against fraudulent messages related to delivery or account issues, deceptive social media posts promoting unrealistically attractive deals, and requests for passwords or payment information through unofficial channels.
Another common ploy is sending unfamiliar links that urge customers to verify their account credentials on fraudulent or phishing websites, a practice Amazon expressly cautions against.
To navigate the upcoming days of shopping safely, Amazon has shared five essential guidelines for consumers:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping activities, customer service inquiries, account modifications, delivery tracking, and refund checks.
– Be aware that Amazon will never request payment details, including gift cards or wire transfers, over the phone for products or services.
– Consider enabling 2-step verification where available for online accounts to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
– Enhance security and convenience by setting up a passkey, a more secure alternative to passwords that leverages facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or PIN authentication.
– Exercise caution when faced with urgent requests from potential scammers, and avoid succumbing to pressure to act immediately.
For those seeking discounts this Black Friday, it is crucial to remain vigilant and exclusively shop through official platforms like Amazon.co.uk. Additionally, be cautious of unsolicited text or email messages and refrain from clicking on any suspicious links promising deals.
