A significant weekend of shopping approaches as Black Friday 2025 commences tomorrow, November 28. This annual event is renowned for its substantial discounts on various products like tech gadgets, fashion items, and household appliances, presenting an excellent chance to grab deals and save money. However, it also marks a peak period for fraudulent activities.
Cybercriminals tend to exploit the buzz surrounding Black Friday, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. To combat the rising online attacks, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert, and Amazon has now followed suit with an important advisory.
In an email distributed to users, Amazon emphasized the importance of recognizing impersonation scams where scammers pose as reputable entities to obtain sensitive information such as personal data, financial details, or Amazon account credentials.
So, what should shoppers be wary of?
Amazon warns that cybercriminals utilize different strategies during Black Friday to prey on consumers. Some common techniques include sending false delivery notifications, prompting users to update their shopping accounts, or creating a sense of urgency to resolve non-existent issues.
Individuals who fall victim to these scams may inadvertently disclose highly confidential information, which scammers can exploit to pilfer money or infiltrate accounts.
According to Amazon, prevalent scams in November often involve deceptive messages regarding delivery or account issues, misleading social media posts from third parties promoting seemingly unbelievable deals, and requests for passwords or payment information through unofficial channels.
Another tactic involves sending unfamiliar links that coerce customers to “verify” their account details on counterfeit or phishing websites.
“Amazon will never request customers to verify their account details via email,” the company cautioned.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has shared five crucial rules:
• Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, including customer service, account modifications, and order tracking.
• Never disclose payment details or make payments over the phone, as Amazon does not request such information via phone calls.
• Consider activating 2-step verification for added account security, available at amazon.co.uk/2SV.
• Enhance security by using a passkey for signing in, which is safer than passwords and can be set up at amazon.co.uk/passkey.
• Beware of scammers pressuring you to act urgently and always exercise caution before complying.
For those seeking Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to remain vigilant and only make purchases through official platforms like Amazon.co.uk. Avoid clicking on unexpected text or email messages and refrain from following links promising unbelievable deals.
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