A significant weekend of shopping is approaching as Black Friday 2025 is set to kick off on November 28th. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on various products like tech gadgets, fashion items, and home appliances, presenting an excellent opportunity for consumers to grab deals and save money. However, it’s also a period where fraudulent activities peak.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the Black Friday frenzy by employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. To address this issue, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert about the surge in online attacks, while Amazon has also issued its own important warning.
In an email sent to users, Amazon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the busy shopping season, providing tips to help identify impersonation scams where scammers pose as trusted companies to obtain sensitive information such as personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon warns that cybercriminals use different strategies during Black Friday to prey on consumers. These methods include sending fake delivery notifications, urging users to update their shopping accounts, or creating false urgency to resolve non-existent issues.
Individuals who fall victim to these scams may inadvertently disclose highly confidential information, enabling scammers to steal money or gain unauthorized access to accounts. Amazon highlights that common scams in November involve deceptive messages related to deliveries or account issues, misleading social media posts from third parties advertising suspiciously good deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial channels.
Another fraudulent tactic involves sending unfamiliar links that prompt customers to verify their account credentials on fake or phishing websites. Amazon stresses that they never ask customers to verify account credentials via email.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has shared five essential rules for consumers to follow:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, account management, and customer service.
– Amazon will never request payments or payment information over the phone.
– Consider enabling 2-step verification for added account security.
– Use a passkey for secure sign-ins instead of passwords.
– Be cautious of urgent requests and avoid acting hastily under pressure.
For those looking to score discounts on Black Friday, it is crucial to remain vigilant and only shop through official channels like Amazon.co.uk. Stay wary of unexpected text or email messages and refrain from clicking on suspicious links promising deals.