A significant weekend of shopping approaches as Black Friday 2025 kicks off on November 28. This annual event offers substantial discounts on various products, making it an excellent opportunity to save money. However, it also attracts cybercriminals who use deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers.
To combat the rising online attacks during this period, O2 and Amazon have issued warnings. Amazon, in an email to users, cautioned against impersonation scams where scammers pose as trusted companies to obtain sensitive information like personal details or financial data.
Amazon advises customers to be cautious of fake delivery notifications, requests to update shopping accounts, or pressure to address non-existent issues. Falling for these scams can lead to the compromise of sensitive information, enabling scammers to steal money or access accounts.
Common Black Friday scams include fake messages about deliveries or account problems, misleading social media posts offering unrealistic deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial channels. Customers should be wary of unfamiliar links urging account verification on fake websites.
Amazon emphasizes that they never request customers to verify their account credentials via email. To ensure a safe shopping experience, Amazon recommends following five rules:
1. Use the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs.
2. Amazon will not ask for payments or payment information over the phone.
3. Enable 2-step verification for enhanced security.
4. Utilize a passkey for secure sign-ins.
5. Beware of scammers creating a sense of urgency.
To secure Black Friday discounts, shop only on official websites like Amazon.co.uk and avoid clicking on unsolicited text or email links promising deals. Stay vigilant to safeguard personal information and financial security during the shopping season.