Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and the internet is buzzing with deals. Sales are everywhere: shoppers are lining up early and spending hours hunting for bargains, while retailers roll out waves of promotions on the web to draw in the crowds. It’s an exciting time for consumers and a profitable opportunity for businesses, but also, the perfect environment for scammers, thieves, and cybercriminals to take advantage.
To stay safe while shopping during these high-risk periods, here are some key precautions to follow:
- Use a credit card or a digital payment platform for better protection
Whenever possible, use a Credit Card when making purchases online. Credit cards offer better fraud protection and make it easier to dispute unauthorised charges. Adding digital payment platforms as a layer of payment can offer even more protection. Avoid using debit cards, as they provide less protection and can give attackers direct access to your funds.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious email links
Phishing emails are a common trick used by cybercriminals. These emails often include links to fake websites that mimic real retailers. Instead of clicking on links in promotional emails, go directly to the official retailers’ website by typing the URL yourself.
- Stay away from Ads or Pop Ups
While browsing or watching videos, you may see pop-up ads claiming huge discounts. Be cautious – many of these lead to malicious websites. It’s safer to visit the official website of your favourite store to browse deals directly.
- Check Website Security
Before entering payment information, ensure the website is secure. Look for:
- A URL that starts with “https://” (not just “http://”).
- A lock icon in the browser’s address bar.
If the site doesn’t have these security indicators, avoid making a purchase.
- Use A Secure WIFI or a VPN
Avoid shopping on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks (like those in cafes or airports). If you must use public Wi-Fi, protect yourself with a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Public networks make it easy for attackers to intercept sensitive data.
- Keep your devices updated
Install the latest security updates on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. These updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit, providing better protection against identity theft and fraud.
Scoring a great deal during Black Friday or Cyber Monday can be exciting, but don’t let a bargain become a trap. If a deal looks too good to be true, it just might be. Take the time to shop safely, protect your information, and make sure your holiday savings don’t end up costing you more.