Stay Secure While Shopping Online: Essential Tips for Black Friday Deals

As Black Friday approaches, cyber security experts warn of increased online shopping scams, urging consumers to stay vigilant.

At a Glance

Over £11.5 million lost to online criminals during last year’s Black Friday sales in the UK
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) promotes two-step verification for better account protection
Experts advise against feeling pressured by limited-time offers and recommend using credit cards for purchases
43% of reported fraud cases involved social media platforms, while 19% involved online marketplaces

Alarming Increase in Online Fraud

As we approach the bustling Black Friday shopping season, the UK’s cyber security agency has sounded a clarion call for shoppers to exercise caution. Last year’s Black Friday sales saw over £11.5 million lost to online criminals, marking a concerning increase of nearly £1 million compared to the previous year. This stark revelation underscores the pressing need for heightened awareness and protective measures among online shoppers.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has taken proactive steps to combat this rising threat. They’ve launched a campaign promoting two-step verification as a crucial defense mechanism for online accounts. This additional layer of security proves invaluable, effectively preventing unauthorized access even in cases where a password has been compromised.

Expert Advice for Safe Online Shopping

NCSC chief executive Richard Horne emphasized the importance of secure practices, stating, “As we head into the holiday shopping season, people are understandably eager to find the best deals online.” He further cautioned, “Unfortunately, this is also prime time for cyber criminals, who exploit bargain hunters with increasingly sophisticated scams – sometimes crafted using AI – making them harder to detect.”

“As we head into the holiday shopping season, people are understandably eager to find the best deals online.” – NCSC chief executive Richard Horne

To safeguard against these evolving threats, shoppers are strongly advised to be wary of tactics that create false urgency, such as limited-time offers. The NCSC recommends refraining from clicking on suspicious links and thoroughly researching sellers through trusted reviews before making purchases.

Government Initiatives and Consumer Protection

The UK government has thrown its weight behind efforts to combat online fraud. Fraud minister Lord Hanson expressed support for the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign, urging consumers to exercise caution and avoid clicking on suspicious links. “We know that more needs to be done to tackle online fraud,” Lord Hanson stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing this growing concern.

“We know that more needs to be done to tackle online fraud.” – Fraud minister Lord Hanson

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cyber crime, has provided crucial insights into the nature of these online threats. Their reports indicate that a staggering 43% of fraud cases involved social media platforms, while 19% were linked to online marketplaces. Interestingly, the age group most affected appears to be 30-39 year-olds, followed closely by those in the 40-49 age bracket.

Practical Tips for Consumers

Adam Mercer from Action Fraud offers practical advice for shoppers navigating the online marketplace. He strongly recommends against feeling pressured to make hasty purchases and suggests using credit cards for transactions whenever possible. Credit cards often provide better protection for consumers in cases of fraud or disputed charges.

For those seeking comprehensive guidance on safe online shopping practices, the Stop! Think Fraud website serves as a valuable resource. It offers a wealth of practical advice to help consumers protect themselves from potential scams and fraudulent activities.

As Black Friday approaches, it’s crucial for shoppers to remain vigilant and prioritize their online security. By implementing two-step verification, researching sellers, and staying alert to potential scams, consumers can enjoy the benefits of online shopping while minimizing their risk of falling victim to cyber criminals.