Google has released a crucial update signaling the start of the holiday shopping season. As November ushers in, major retailers worldwide are rolling out their Black Friday deals, presenting enticing opportunities for shoppers and scammers alike. According to Google’s latest advisory on fraud and scams, cybercriminals tend to ramp up their fraudulent activities during peak shopping periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday to exploit consumer demand.
The advisory highlights that scammers aim to deceive shoppers with fake offers, leading to financial theft and data breaches. Google warns online shoppers to be vigilant for suspicious deals or alerts that seem too good to be true. Scammers employ sophisticated tactics such as creating fake online storefronts, running deceptive ad campaigns, and launching phishing schemes during this period.
Phishing campaigns, where criminals attempt to extract sensitive information by posing as trustworthy entities, pose a significant threat during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Users may receive deceptive emails claiming missed parcels or fake prizes, prompting them to divulge personal details. Google emphasizes the surge in targeted phishing and smishing campaigns during this season.
To combat these scams, Google introduces new technologies to block fake emails and websites, enhancing user protection. Additionally, Google implements safeguards against package tracking scams for users of certain devices and messaging platforms. While Google continues its efforts to thwart scammers, staying alert remains crucial during the holiday shopping season.