When things seem too good to be true, they may be a scammer’s trap. Discover how to protect yourself against Black Friday and Cyber Monday frauds.
What you will discover:
How can I protect myself against Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams?
How can I know whether a Black Friday or Cyber Monday bargain is genuine?
What can I do if I have been duped?
What can I do if a fraudster obtains my personal information?
How can I safeguard my identity against theft?
This year, millions of people will be seeking for excellent discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Unfortunately, scammers have plans for those days as well. Consumers must be able to identify and prevent scammers, both in person and online, particularly when certain offers seem to be too good to be true. The advice below can help you protect yourself when Christmas shopping, as well as if you become a victim of identity theft or other fraudulent schemes.
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How can I protect myself against Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams?
Online shopping on Black Friday has become as popular as online shopping for Cyber Monday. However, when going shopping, much of the same advice can help keep your identity safe from scammers. Although scammers frequently target online shoppers, identity theft can occur in unexpected ways while you are out and about. It might assist to be aware of typical scams and security hazards.
When shopping online, avoid using public Wi-Fi.
Although public Wi-Fi networks do not require a password, they may provide convenience at the expense of security. If you make purchases while connected to a public Wi-Fi network, you may be giving criminals access to your personal financial information. A private Wi-Fi network or the cellular network of your phone is usually significantly more secure.
Be wary of email offers and pop-up advertisements.
Scammers may be able to send emails that seem to come from a credible source regardless of the network you use. By clicking a link or opening a file, fraudsters may get access to information that they may use to deceive you. The same is true for certain pop-up advertisements that show on your web browser. You should double-check that you are connecting into a real website or online banking system, not a scammer’s clone.
Pay with cash or a credit card.
Paying with cash while shopping in person is the most secure approach to safeguard your identity when making a transaction. However, if a seller refuses to accept a return or you are scammed, you may not have the same protections that a credit card provides. If you must use a payment card, a credit card is often more secure than a debit card for both in-person and online purchases. The Fair Credit Billing Act generally protects you from being held liable for a fraudulent credit card transaction of more than $50. Most major credit card companies frequently ensure that you are not required to pay anything for a fraudulent charge.
Maintain vigilance on your account statements.
Even if you use safer payment methods, it is a good idea to check your bank and credit card accounts on a regular basis for strange behavior to protect yourself from identity theft. This is especially true during the Christmas season, when fraudsters are very active. The sooner you identify a fraudulent transaction, the sooner you may report it and prevent subsequent fraudulent transactions.
How can I know whether a Black Friday or Cyber Monday bargain is genuine?
To begin, trusting your instincts might be beneficial. If an offer seems to be too good to be true, it may not be a scam, but it is usually worth a little more scrutiny.
It may be advisable not to click on links in internet advertisements or emails. Instead, you might check the company’s website to see whether anything regarding the sale is mentioned. However, this does not necessarily imply that the sale is genuine. Another thing you may do is check to verify whether the website is real. Here are two approaches:
Examine the website’s URL. This is the internet address for the web page. It is often preceded by “http://” and followed by the domain name, such as “RocketLawyer.com.” The S signifies that the site is secure if the URL starts with “https://”. You should use a search engine to ensure you are on the correct website.
Some web browsers make it simpler for users to determine if a site is safe by showing a little padlock symbol next to the URL. If there is no padlock, the site may or may not be secure. If the site is not secure, your browser may notify you, although browsers do not always do so.
Remember that some highly competent hackers may make a phony website seem safe. In situations like this, you should follow your instincts and explore more before disclosing any personal information. If the website belongs to a business you are familiar with, you should double-check that it is the actual one and not a clone. If you are unfamiliar with the firm, you should do more research before making a purchase.
What can I do if I have been duped?
If you feel you have been defrauded or are a victim of an ongoing scam, you may have many alternatives. You may be able to challenge a fraudulent payment or credit card charge by informing your bank, credit card provider, or payment processor.
You may report identity theft to the police and fill out an ID Theft Affidavit. Depending on the circumstances, a variety of government and private groups may be able to assist you. You may contact the following organizations:
The FBI is the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The FTC is the Federal Trade Commission.
The Attorney General of your state.
The United States Secret Service.
The BBB stands for the Better Business Bureau.
What can I do if a fraudster obtains my personal information?
If you are concerned that a fraudster may continue to charge your account, you may seek a Credit Freeze, tell your bank and credit card issuers, and report the conduct to police authorities. Change your internet passwords and credit card numbers if necessary. Securing your information may prevent thieves from using your credit card number or starting new accounts in your name. You may also contact the Social Security Administration by sending a Letter to Report Unauthorized Use of a Social Security Number.
How can I safeguard my identity against theft?
Aside from the Black Friday and Cyber Monday tips mentioned above, you may be able to take steps that make it more difficult for scammers to find your personal information.
Scammers may get access to your financial information by hacking into websites that contain your financial information. Making passwords more difficult to guess is one approach to help secure yourself. For example, you may use a separate password for each site and update your passwords on a frequent basis. A complicated password, such as your dog’s name plus your birth date, is frequently considerably more difficult to crack than a simple one like your dog’s name plus your birth date.
