A significant weekend of shopping awaits as Black Friday 2025 begins tomorrow, November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on various products like technology, fashion, and home appliances, presenting a great opportunity for consumers to grab deals and save money. However, it is also a high-risk period for scams.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the Black Friday hype to target unsuspecting shoppers through various deceitful tactics. In an effort to combat the increasing online threats, O2, a prominent UK network, recently issued a cautionary alert. Additionally, Amazon has issued its own crucial warning.
In an email sent to users, as reported by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the busy shopping season. The email stated, “As the busy shopping season approaches, stay informed with these tips to help recognize impersonation scams—when a scammer pretends to be a trusted company and contacts you in an attempt to access sensitive information such as personal details, financial information, or Amazon account data.”
Amazon warns that cybercriminals employ various strategies during Black Friday to prey on unsuspecting consumers. Common tactics include sending fake delivery notifications, prompting users to update shopping accounts, and creating a sense of urgency to address non-existent issues.
Victims who fall for these schemes may unwittingly disclose highly sensitive information, which scammers can exploit to steal money or gain unauthorized access to accounts.
According to Amazon, prevalent scams in November involve fake messages concerning delivery or account issues, deceptive social media posts promoting too-good-to-be-true deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial channels.
Another fraudulent tactic involves sending unfamiliar links that urge customers to “verify” their account credentials on fake or phishing websites.
“Amazon will never send emails asking customers to verify their account credentials,” the company cautioned.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has outlined five essential rules to follow:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, customer service, account changes, delivery tracking, and refund status.
– Be aware that Amazon will never request payments or payment information (including gift cards or wire transfers) over the phone.
– Consider enabling 2-step verification on online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
– Enhance security by using a passkey for signing in, which is safer than traditional passwords and can be set up with facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or PIN codes.
– Exercise caution when faced with urgent demands from potential scammers and avoid acting hastily.
For those seeking Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to remain vigilant and only shop through official channels like Amazon.co.uk. Beware of unsolicited text or email messages and refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links promising deals.