With the holiday season heating up, coupled with events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the FBI issued important warnings today for all online shoppers. The scammers, meanwhile, are dialing up their attacks on America’s most popular web browsers – Google Chrome, Safari, Edge – which combine to take 95 percent of the US web browser market. The FBI issued its warning at a time when American shoppers were at their most vulnerable, as the increase in online shopping made even more people susceptible to fraudulent scams.
On the Rise: Web Scams
The warning issued by the FBI raises an alarming trend: web scams are on the rise. A recent report has pointed out that 89% more fraudulent websites have been reported compared to last year. Moreover, 80% of all emails that contain shopping-related messages have been found to be scams. Even Google, the favorite search engine, is misused by scammers that send users to malicious websites. This is a sharp rise in the rate of online fraud, particularly with the holiday shopping season in full swing.
Common Scams for Online Buyers
There have been some common scams listed on the FBI’s report that target the online shopper. These include Black Fridays. Such scams could cause loss of personal information and money or both. There are common types in them; these include:
- Non-Delivery Scams: In which you pay for the products and goods online, but never receive them.
- Non-Payment Scams: Sending goods or services to the buyers, but never receiving payment.
- Auction Fraud: A product bought on an auction site is misrepresented. It may be that the buyer gets something entirely different or nothing at all.
- Gift Card Fraud: The scammer asks for payment via prepaid gift cards. This is a very common tactic to defraud shoppers.
The Financial Impact of Online Scams
The financial damage caused by these scams is significant. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that in 2023, non-payment and non-delivery scams alone led to over $309 million in losses. These figures highlight the severe financial risks associated with online shopping fraud, especially during the busy holiday season.
Precautionary Measures to Avoid Scams
To help prevent people from falling prey to these scams, the FBI has provided general guidelines for safety when online shopping.
- Generally, thieves bait their victims with extremely low prices or special deals.
- Ensure the website is valid. Before providing payment information, make sure the website is secure (look for “https” and a lock icon in the address bar).
- Never pay by gift card. Reputable organizations will never ask for a prepaid gift card as payment.
- Use safer payment methods. Credit cards and safe online payments are better protected than wire transfers directly from the bank.
- Always keep a watchful eye on your accounts. Regularly review bank and credit card statements to catch anything out of place.
Be Alert This Holiday
The FBI’s warning underscores the importance of staying alert when shopping online. Scammers take advantage of the holiday rush, knowing that people are more likely to be distracted or in a hurry. However, by following the FBI’s advice and taking basic precautions, shoppers can protect themselves from fraud and ensure a safer shopping experience.
As online shopping continues to mushroom, especially during peak seasons like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, caution has to be kept on the highest alert. Chrome, Safari, and Edge continue to top the browsers list; however, the individual shopper needs to ensure that one does not inadvertently become a fraud victim. The best defense is through awareness and being cautious.
Conclusion
Scams are on the rise, especially targeting popular browsers, so one must be proactive about online security. Keep your information secure and enjoy the festive season without falling prey to scammers.
