Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to score some bargains. But they’re also prime time for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of shoppers.
Our handy guide is here to help make your online shopping safer and more secure.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a big deal for shoppers. But unfortunately, this makes them prime targets for cyber attacks.
Some common scams include:
- Phishing: fake emails, texts or websites designed to steal your personal or payment information.
- Fake shopping sites: fake websites that mimic real retailers to take payment for orders that will never arrive.
- Fake delivery messages: texts or emails asking you to pay a fee or update your details before a parcel can be delivered.
- Marketplace scams: sellers asking you to pay outside of a marketplace’s secure payment system.
- Account takeover: criminals using stolen login details to access your shopping accounts.
How to stay safe when shopping online
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to fend off cybercriminals and keep yourself safe online.
Shop on secure websites
Check that the website address begins with ‘https://’ and has a padlock icon in the address bar. This tells you that the site uses encryption to protect your browser’s connection to it.
Heads up, the padlock symbol doesn’t guarantee a website is safe to visit. You should still use all of the other security measures we’ve mentioned here.
Plus, if you’re unfamiliar with a website, take time to research the company and read customer reviews.
Protect your accounts
Use a strong, unique password for each of your accounts. A password manager can help you manage and come up with strong passwords.
Also, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) where you can. This adds an extra layer of security because it asks for another form of verification, like a code sent to your phone, if someone tries to sign in.
Be wary of unexpected messages
Be cautious of emails, texts or social media messages that:
- offer deals that seem too good to be true
- claim there’s a problem with an order or delivery
Check the sender’s email address and don’t click on any suspicious links. Go directly to the retailer’s website to check the information instead.
Use a secure payment method
Make sure you use the retailer’s secure payment system. Be wary if a seller asks you to pay by bank transfer or outside the platform.
Here are some other tips and things to be aware of:
- Credit cards often have better protection from fraud, so can be safer to use than debit cards.
- Services like PayPal can be useful too, as they add an extra layer of security between your bank account and the retailer.
- If a website only accepts wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cheque, that’s a red flag.
Protect your devices
We know updates can be a pain, especially when you’re busy using your device. But they’re there to help your tech work better and more securely.
Make sure your computer, phone and other devices have the latest security updates. You should also use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect them.
Check your statements regularly
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any payments you don’t recognise.
Report them straight away to stop it from happening again.
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making it easier for hackers to take your data.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you need to shop while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Be cautious with personal information
Only give the necessary information when you’re buying something online.
Be wary of any site that asks for a lot of your personal details.
How to recognise fake e-commerce sites
Fake websites can be difficult to spot, but here’s a few things to watch out for:
- Spelling mistakes or extra characters in the website’s URL.
- Prices that are significantly lower than competitors.
- Poor customer reviews or no reviews at all.
Trusted sites will have contact information, like a phone number and physical address. Test the customer service by calling or emailing them.
How to protect your personal information
Your personal information is valuable, and you should look after it! Here are some extra steps to protect it:
- Limit what you share: Be mindful of the information you share online. Avoid posting any sensitive details on social media.
- Use a virtual credit card: Some banks offer virtual credit cards that can be used for online orders. These cards have unique numbers and can be set with spending limits.
- Keep an eye on your credit report: Check your credit report monthly for any unusual activity. If you spot something suspicious, let your bank know straight away.
A little caution goes a long way in protecting your personal information. Check out our handy online safety guide to protect yourself year-round.
We’ve also got some great resources on scams and fraud if you want to learn even more.
Admiral’s Personal Cyber and Identity Theft Helpline
Being victim to cybercrime can feel really isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone.
If you have our Platinum home insurance or Home Legal Expenses added to your policy, you have access to our 24/7 personal cyber and identity theft helpline.
This means you can get support and advice from experienced fraud and cyber specialists.
They can help with lots of different things, including documenting evidence, securing accounts and speaking to your bank.
Plus, they’ll give you some important advice on how to protect yourself in the future.
To see if you have access to the helpline, check your cover in MyAccount. You can also head to the Legal Depot for more resources on cybersecurity and privacy.
