FBI Issues Holiday Warning: Avoid These Online Shopping Scams

FBI Warns Online Shoppers: Stay Safe from Scam Websites on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the FBI has issued an urgent warning for online shoppers. Scam websites and fraudulent offers have surged by 89% compared to last year, with almost 80% of shopping emails now being scams. Even Google search results are being manipulated to direct users to dangerous websites.

For users of Chrome, Safari, and Edge—browsers that dominate 95% of the U.S. market—the FBI’s guidance is a must-read. Here’s how to protect yourself and avoid falling victim to online scams this holiday season.

Seven Key Tips to Stay Safe Online

1. Verify Website URLs
   Before making a purchase, ensure the website URL is legitimate and secure. Look for:
   • A padlock icon in the address bar.
   • The “https” prefix at the start of the URL.

   If the website appears suspicious or the URL looks off, move on.

2. Research Before Buying
   Always research websites and check reviews before making a first-time purchase. Be cautious, as reviews can sometimes be fake. Look for consistency across multiple sources.
3. Avoid Suspicious Marketplace Sellers
   On auction sites or marketplaces, beware of sellers with:
   • Mostly negative feedback or no reviews.
   • Few completed transactions.

   Stick to sellers with a solid reputation and favorable ratings.

4. Beware of Fake Authorized Dealers
   Avoid sellers claiming to be authorized dealers or factory representatives in locations where such dealers wouldn’t typically operate. These are often scams, shipping counterfeit goods or nothing at all.
5. Question Unusual Seller Claims
   Be cautious if sellers claim to reside in the U.S. but offer excuses—like being out of the country on business or handling a family emergency—for unusual shipping arrangements or overseas addresses.
6. Avoid Unconventional Payment Methods
   Never pay with direct money transfers, pre-paid gift cards, or agree to bypass customs checks. Use a credit card for added security and protection.
7. Say No to Gift Card Payments
   Scammers may request gift card PINs and codes instead of legitimate payments. Once they have these details, they’ll steal the funds, and you’ll never receive your purchase.

Cybersecurity Experts Highlight Growing Risks

The research team at Check Point echoes the FBI’s concerns, reporting a significant surge in fraudulent Black Friday-related websites. These scams mimic well-known brands but are rarely classified as safe.

Their additional safety tips include:

• Double-check URLs for typos or unusual domain names.
• Only trust sites with “https” and a padlock icon.
• Cross-check email senders with known sources before clicking any links.
• Avoid blindly scanning QR codes.
• Never share unnecessary personal information, like Social Security numbers or birth dates.

Examples of Fraudulent URLs to Avoid:

• Stüssy (Streetwear): stussycanadablackfriday[.]com
• Longchamp (Bags): longchampblackfriday[.]com
• Wayfair (Home Goods): wayfareblackfriday[.]com
• SOREL (Footwear): soreloutletblackfriday[.]com

Phishing Scams and AI-Driven Lures on the Rise

Bitdefender warns that 3 out of every 4 Black Friday-themed emails are scams, with many containing malware or phishing links designed to steal personal data. AI-crafted phishing lures are becoming increasingly sophisticated, mimicking trusted brands with ease.

These scams capitalize on urgency and enticing offers, making them harder to resist.

FBI’s Final Reminder

“Remember,” the FBI warns, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Stay vigilant, double-check everything, and enjoy a safe holiday shopping season.

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