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Blog Internet Security How To Protect Yourself from Black Friday and Cyber
Monday AI Scams 


HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY AI SCAMS 



Jasdev Dhaliwal

Nov 04, 2024

5 MIN READ

As Black Friday approaches, eager bargain hunters are gearing up to snag the
best deals online. But with the excitement of holiday shopping also comes the
risk of cyber threats, as cybercriminals see this busy time as an opportunity to
exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself
from potential risks while scoring your favorite holiday deals. 


THE GROWING THREAT: CYBERCRIME DURING BLACK FRIDAY 

Authorities are already sounding the alarm about the risks associated with
online shopping during the festive season. Cybersecurity agencies, including the
UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Canadian Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP), have warned that cybercriminals are using increasingly
sophisticated tactics, including leveraging AI to create more convincing scams,
malicious ads, and spoofed websites. In the United States, the FBI and
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued advisories
to stay vigilant against ransomware attacks during holiday periods when many
businesses operate with minimal staff. Cybercriminals take advantage of widely
celebrated holidays like Black Friday to launch impactful attacks. 


WHAT’S NEW ABOUT AI SCAMS? 

 Modern AI tools have made it easier for scammers to create: 

 * Convincing fake websites that look identical to real stores 

 * Personalized phishing emails that sound like they’re from legitimate
   companies 

 * Realistic-looking social media ads with too-good-to-be-true deals 

 * Counterfeit shopping apps that mimic popular retailers 

 * Fake customer service chatbots that steal your information 


TOP BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM 

 During the bustling shopping period that spans Thanksgiving, Black Friday,
Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, online sales hit record highs, and
cybercriminals follow the money trail. Here are some of the most common scams to
watch out for and ways to protect yourself.


1. PHISHING EMAILS AND SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS

 Phishing attacks often involve fake emails or social media messages that mimic
legitimate promotional offers or shipping notifications. These messages are
designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card
details, or to download malware onto your device. Common tactics include sending
fake order confirmations or gift card scams, which pressure recipients to act
quickly by purchasing gift cards to resolve a fabricated issue. 

 * Verify Before You Click: Always check the sender’s email address and look for
   typos or inconsistencies in logos and branding. If an offer seems too good to
   be true, it probably is. 

 * Don’t Rush: Scammers use urgency to pressure you into acting without
   thinking. Take a moment to verify any email or message that claims you need
   to make a payment or resolve an issue. 

 * Avoid Unverified Links: Go directly to the retailer’s website rather than
   clicking on links in emails or social media posts.


2. SPOOFED WEBSITES AND FAKE ONLINE STORES

Fake websites that imitate popular online retailers pop up frequently during the
Black Friday shopping season. These sites may look identical to the real thing,
but their sole purpose is to steal your payment information. 

 * Check the URL: Make sure the website’s URL starts with “https” and matches
   the official domain name. Look for trust seals or security badges, which can
   indicate a secure site. 

 * Shop at Trusted Retailers: Stick to well-known stores and verify any
   unfamiliar ones by reading reviews or checking with the Better Business
   Bureau. 

 * Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with a credit card, which offers better fraud
   protection than a debit card.


3. MALICIOUS ADS (MALVERTISING) AND E-SKIMMING

Malicious advertisements can infiltrate legitimate websites, leading you to
infected sites that install malware on your device. E-skimming occurs when
hackers insert malicious code into payment pages on legitimate eCommerce sites,
stealing your credit card information during checkout. 

 * Block Ads: Use a reputable ad blocker to reduce the risk of encountering
   malvertising. 
 * Review Payment Page Security: Before entering payment details, ensure the
   site uses secure encryption by checking for “https” in the URL and looking
   for a padlock icon. 
 * Enable Transaction Alerts: Set up alerts with your bank to detect
   unauthorized charges quickly.


4. IDENTITY THEFT AND CREDIT CARD FRAUD

During the busy holiday season, identity theft and credit card fraud rise
sharply. Cybercriminals use stolen personal information to make fraudulent
purchases or open accounts in your name. 

 * Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements: Regularly check your accounts for
   any unauthorized transactions and report suspicious activity immediately. 
 * Use Digital Wallets: Digital payment methods like Apple Pay or PayPal provide
   an extra layer of security by masking your credit card details. 
 * Implement Strong Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for each of your
   online accounts and consider using a password manager. 


SHOPPING SAFELY: ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS FOR BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPERS 

Here are some extra tips to keep your online shopping secure during the holiday
season:  

 * Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When shopping online, use a secure network to protect
   your personal information. Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure,
   making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. 
 * Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of
   security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond
   just a password. 
 * Update Your Devices: Ensure that your computer, smartphone, and apps have the
   latest security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities. 
 * Know the Return Policy: Before making any purchase, check the retailer’s
   return and refund policy to avoid potential issues if you encounter a scam. 


STAY SAFE WHILE SAVING 

 While Black Friday is a fantastic time to grab deals, it’s also a time to be
extra cautious. By understanding common threats and following these safety tips,
you can enjoy your holiday shopping while minimizing the risks. Remember, If a
deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate retailers won’t
pressure you into quick decisions or require unusual payment methods. Take your
time, verify offers, and trust your instincts. 

The best defense against AI scams is a careful, methodical approach to holiday
shopping. Create a budget, make a list of what you want to buy, and stick to
trusted retailers. A missed deal is better than falling victim to a scam. 

 

 

 




Stay Updated

Follow us to stay updated on all things McAfee and on top of the latest consumer
and mobile security threats.


Jasdev Dhaliwal Director of Marketing and Security Evangelist

Jasdev is a Director of Marketing at McAfee and a specialist in consumer
security and online privacy. With over 10 years of security industry experience,
he is a regular writer...


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