WOW SALE! Black Friday is here, and just like every year, online sales are seeing a significant boost around the globe. While Black Friday is now synonymous with huge discounts and incredible prices, the origin of this date has little to do with shopping.
The first mention of “Black Friday” goes back to 1869, when a financial crisis hit New York due to a fall in gold prices. From then on, the term carried a negative meaning. However, over time—especially with its ties to Thanksgiving—its significance evolved into what we know today. Now, Black Friday is the biggest shopping weekend of the year for online sales in many parts of the world.
Although this date is associated with big sales and year-end festivities, we should remember that many people shopping online also creates a significant opportunity for cybercriminals. In 2023, we saw a 30% increase in cyber scams during Black Friday. This year, it’s estimated that nearly 50% of online shoppers are at high risk of falling victim to some type of scam. Here are some common tricks to watch out for during this period:
- Phishing: Scammers send emails or text messages that look like they’re from legitimate retailers offering irresistible discounts. Clicking on the links takes users to fake sites designed to steal personal information.
- Fake Stores: Fraudulent websites that imitate real businesses, offering products that never get delivered.
- Deceptive Advertising: Fake ads, often on social media, that lead users to fraudulent websites.
- Fraudulent Apps: Apps that promise great discounts but actually steal personal information or access user accounts.
- Technical Support Scams: Scammers impersonate support technicians offering help with online shopping issues, but their real goal is to access the user’s information. They might also appear as customer service bots.
With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many of these scams are becoming harder to detect. AI can even aid in automating and targeting these scams, making it easier for criminals to ensnare vulnerable users.
Online security is a practice for everyday life, but it’s especially critical for consumers during events like Black Friday. Verifying the legitimacy of online stores, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and using secure payment methods are smart practices we should all adopt. In addition to promoting cybersecurity awareness, we need to seek out more advanced and efficient ways to protect ourselves from emerging threats.
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Make sure to enjoy every Friday of the year, regardless of the color.