Black Friday bargains: A hotspot for online scams, warns cybersecurity expert

FBI issues warning to Chrome, Safari, and Edge users and tips to avoid online scams

With Black Friday now upon us, online shoppers face greater dangers than ever.

Recent reports reveal a staggering 89% increase in scam websites compared to last year, with nearly 80% of shopping offers flooding inboxes being fraudulent. Even Google search results have been manipulated to direct users to malicious sites.

In response, the FBI has issued an urgent warning for holiday shoppers, outlining which websites to avoid on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond. For the majority of internet users who rely on Chrome, Safari, and Edge—browsers which together make up 95% of the US market—the FBI’s advice is an essential guide to online safety.

The FBI's top tips for avoiding scams include the following seven key points:

Check the URL: Always confirm that a website’s URL is legitimate and secure before making a purchase. Look for the secure connection padlock symbol in the address bar and ensure the URL begins with "https". If the site appears suspicious, move on.

Research Before You Buy: Never make a purchase from an unfamiliar website without doing thorough research first. Look for reviews from multiple sources, but be cautious as fake reviews are common.

Watch Out for Auction Sites and Marketplaces: When shopping on auction platforms, be wary of sellers with low or no ratings. Opt for sellers with a history of completed transactions and positive feedback.

​​​​​​​Avoid Unauthorised Sellers: Be cautious of sellers claiming to be authorised dealers or factory representatives for popular items in countries where such deals don't exist. These sites often take payments without shipping goods, or send counterfeit products instead.

​​​​​​​Be Skeptical of Overseas Sellers: If a seller claims to be based in the U.S. but provides excuses for being unavailable (such as being overseas on business), it could be a scam. Legitimate businesses typically don’t have such “emergencies” when communicating with customers.

​​​​​​​Be Cautious with Shipping Arrangements: Avoid websites that offer unusual shipping arrangements or promise to bypass customs checks. Additionally, never agree to pay through direct money transfers; credit cards offer better protection and more security.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Don’t Use Prepaid Gift Cards: Scammers often request payment via prepaid gift cards, asking for the card number and PIN. According to the FBI, “in these scams, the seller steals the funds and you never receive your purchased item.” Always use a credit card for added security.

By following these straightforward steps, shoppers can reduce the risk of falling prey to scams this holiday season and enjoy a safer online shopping experience.