Protect Yourself from Scams This Holiday Shopping Season

• Nearly half of American buyers have fallen prey to online holiday scams, raising concerns about Black Friday and Cyber Monday fraud.

• Common scams include phishing, parcel delivery fraud, and gift card fraud, which are frequently found on social media, third-party websites, and emails.

• To stay safe, shop only on reputable websites, use strong passwords, use VPNs, and keep an eye out for questionable offers or websites.

The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching, bringing a frenzy of discounts, promotions, and excitement. However, with all of the wonderful offers comes a higher danger of cyber fraud. While internet shopping allows you to browse from the comfort of your own home, it also provides possibilities for scammers to take advantage of naïve customers. A recent Norton analysis, based on a survey of over 12,000 adults from 12 countries, demonstrates how common frauds are throughout the holiday season—and how consumers may protect themselves.

Scams are a Significant Concern for Holiday Shoppers

According to Norton’s 2024 Cyber Safety Insights Report, nearly half of U.S. customers (48%) reported being targeted by a scam while shopping online over the holidays. Furthermore, more than half of those polled (53%) were concerned about falling prey to scammers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the busiest shopping days of the year.

While these percentages may appear worrisome, the reality is that scams are a global problem, with 39% of survey respondents globally claiming to have fallen victim to an online shopping fraud. Other sorts of scams are phishing (26%), package delivery fraud (23%), and gift card fraud.

Scams to Watch Out For

The analysis identifies many sorts of scams that are particularly prevalent among online customers. Phishing schemes, in which bogus emails or texts deceive customers into disclosing personal information or login credentials, are widespread. Product delivery scams, in which scammers imitate delivery firms and demand payment to release a product, are also widespread. Gift card and overpayment scams have become common, in which fraudsters persuade victims to purchase gift cards or overpay for things, frequently with promises of a refund that never arrives.

These frauds can target customers on a variety of channels, but certain areas are especially vulnerable. Social media is the number one hotspot for fraud, with 40% of respondents citing it as a primary source of fraud. Scams are also widespread on third-party websites (35%), emails (30%), and text messages (28%).

Rise of AI Scams: A New Threat

The report identified an alarming trend: the development of AI-driven scams. These frauds, which can modify personal data or utilise automated bots to dupe customers, have spread to specialised areas such as knitting and crochet clubs. While this may appear to be a minor issue, it highlights a rising concern with AI-based fraud strategies, which affect a wide range of businesses.

It is critical to remain watchful, as these advanced scams are not only complex but also difficult to identify. AI-powered bots can imitate real purchasing experiences, so everyone must be aware of the hazards and take precautions.

How to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

With the rise of internet shopping and fraud, it is more necessary than ever to exercise caution. When shopping online, only use well-known, trusted websites. Take the time to examine unfamiliar stores’ details, reviews, and ratings. If a website appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Ensure that the website you’re buying on employs the secure HTTPS protocol, particularly on the payment pages. This is a clear indication that the site is employing encryption to protect your data. Be wary of discounts that seem too good to be true, especially when high-demand items are sold at dramatically reduced costs. Scammers frequently prey on shoppers seeking incredible deals.

When shopping on public Wi-Fi networks, utilise a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can help protect your personal and financial information from hackers who may intercept it over insecure networks. Create complicated and unique passwords for all of your online purchasing accounts. A password manager can help you create and securely store passwords, making it easier to remember them.

Make sure your gadget is equipped with reputable security software that not only protects against viruses but also warns you about questionable websites or potential scams. Many banking institutions provide fraud alerts, which notify you of any suspicious activity on your account. Make use of this function to keep track of your spending during the busy shopping season.

Stay Safe and Shop Smart

As Leyla Bilge, Research Director at Gen Digital, points out, the holiday season may be hectic, and it’s easy to lose your guard while trying to get the greatest prices. However, adopting a few easy steps can help you avoid scammers. Always use caution when disclosing personal information online, and educate yourself about typical frauds before completing any transactions.

You may enjoy the holiday shopping season without falling prey to fraud by using trustworthy websites, upgrading your passwords, and keeping an eye out for strange activities.

The holiday season should be about joy and celebration, not coping with the fallout from cybercrime. By taking preemptive precautions, you may protect yourself and your loved ones while also getting the best prices this holiday season.