FBI cautions shoppers against Black Friday fraud on Chrome and Edge

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales kick off, online shoppers are being warned about an alarming rise in scams.

The FBI has issued a fresh alert, highlighting a sharp increase in fraudulent websites and phishing attacks targeting consumers during the 2023 holiday season.

Reports show a staggering 89% increase in scam websites compared to last year, and nearly 80% of promotional emails are fraudulent.

For users of major browsers like Chrome and Microsoft Edge, which account for 95% of the US market, the follwing tips are crucial for ensuring safe online shopping this holiday season.

While, Cyber experts recommend checking for subtle misspellings in URLs and avoiding unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, the FBI’s advice for avoiding fraud is clear: always verify website URLs before making any purchases.

Look for secure connections, marked by "https://" and a padlock symbol. Never buy from unknown sellers without researching reviews and verifying their legitimacy.

Be cautious of sellers claiming to be authorised dealers in countries where such deals don’t exist, or those who provide dubious excuses for operating outside the US.

Cybersecurity experts from Check Point warn that many of these scam sites impersonate trusted brands like Stüssy, Longchamp, Wayfair, and SOREL, using URLs such as stussycanadablackfriday.com, longchampblackfriday.com, and wayfareblackfriday.com.

The surge in Black Friday-related fraud has made it easier for cybercriminals to set up fake sites that mimic popular retail brands, luring unsuspecting shoppers.

Among the most common fraudulent websites identified this year are:

• Stüssy (Steatwear): stussycanadablackfriday[.]com
• Longchamp (Bags): longchampblackfriday[.]com
• Wayfair (Home Store): wayfareblackfriday[.]com
• SOREL (Footwear): soreloutletblackfriday[.]com
• Crew (Retail): jcrewblackfriday[.]com
• IUN (Footwear): blackfriday-shoe[.]top

Additionally, experts caution against using pre-paid gift cards as payment, as scammers often request them instead of regular credit card payments. It’s essential to stick to secure payment methods like credit cards for added protection.

Bitdefender also highlights the increased risk of phishing, with 75% of Black Friday-themed marketing emails now identified as scams aimed at stealing personal data or installing malware.

Shoppers are urged to avoid clicking suspicious links and QR codes and to be vigilant against emails from unfamiliar sources.