Shoppers should be vigilant this upcoming Black Friday, 29 November 2024, as scammers are using more sophisticated techniques and increasing their efforts. The same applies to Cyber Monday.
The increased eagerness among consumers to bag a good deal often leads to them being less cautious, making them more vulnerable to scams. Here are some Black Friday scams to look out for.
1. Phishing emails
Be cautious of phishing emails that may appear to be from legitimate retailers. Scammers often use sophisticated techniques to mimic authentic emails, tricking unsuspecting consumers into revealing sensitive information like credit card numbers.
Carefully examine the sender’s email address. Spelling errors are often a clue that an email may be fake. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails. If you’re unsure about an email’s legitimacy, verify the information directly through the retailer’s official website or contact customer service.
2. Scammers selling counterfeit products
Counterfeit or fake products can be a significant issue when shopping online, especially from third-party sellers. To avoid falling victim to Black Friday scams, it is essential to exercise caution. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate counterfeit or low-quality products.
Before making a purchase, thoroughly investigate the seller’s reputation by checking their ratings and reading verified reviews from other buyers. Not all reviews are genuine, so be sceptical of products with unusually high numbers of 5-star ratings without specific feedback.
3. Fake prizes
Scammers often target people by claiming they have won a prize, often a very attractive one like a major appliance. The excitement can cloud the target’s judgment, and when the scammer asks for personal information, many people gladly provide it. The issue arises when scammers ask for payment information claiming it is necessary to cover the shipping or delivery costs of the so-called ‘prize’.
4. Not all discounts are discounts
Through clever marketing and hype around Black Friday, many retailers may claim a massive discount on some items when in fact, the discount is minimal or non-existent. It is advisable to shop around and have a good idea of prices of items so that you can determine whether a discount is indeed a discount and not just a regular price dressed up as a special price.
Do you look for bargains on Black Friday?
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