As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday, online scammers are increasing their activity to target unsuspecting shoppers. A recent Forbes report shows a significant 89% increase in fraudulent websites compared to the previous year, with around 80% of shopping-related emails being flagged as scams. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to online shoppers, advising them to take precautions during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the upcoming holiday season to avoid falling victim to these scams.
The FBI emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and following safety tips while shopping online. The agency warns against deals that seem too good to be true and reminds users to be cautious of various cyber scams, including non-delivery scams, non-payment scams, auction fraud, and gift card fraud. These scams have cost individuals millions of dollars in losses, as reported by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
With popular web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge dominating the US market, shoppers are urged to be extra cautious when navigating online shopping platforms. Scammers often manipulate search results to direct users to harmful websites, posing a significant threat to online shoppers. By taking preventive measures and being alert, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to these holiday scams and safeguard their personal information and financial assets. The FBI’s warning serves as a timely reminder for online shoppers to exercise caution and be proactive in safeguarding their online transactions during this festive shopping season.
Source
Photo credit www.ndtv.com
