Black Friday and Cyber Monday are peak seasons for snagging deals – but they’re also prime opportunities for scammers, who ramp up non-delivery schemes, fake websites and phishing attacks to exploit the holiday shopping rush.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-delivery and non-payment scams cost Americans over $309 million in 2023, with a surge in complaints following the holiday season. In 2024, online shopping fraud was the second most reported scam, with over 380,000 reports and $432 million in losses.
Here are five key tips to help you shop safely and avoid becoming a victim this season:
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Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Scammers lure shoppers with deep discounts on popular items, often through fake websites or social media ads. These sites may look legitimate but are designed to steal your money or personal information.
Red flags could include misspelled URLs or recently registered domains. Always verify the site before purchasing and use trusted retailers.
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Beware of Fake Delivery Notifications
Expecting a package? Scammers send fake texts or emails claiming your order is delayed or requires a fee. Clicking the link may install malware or lead to phishing sites.
Track your packages only through the official retailer or courier websites. Never click on unsolicited links.
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Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi
Public networks are vulnerable to data theft. Shopping on unsecured Wi-Fi is like “shouting your credit card info in a crowded room,” warns Norton.
Use a VPN or shop from a secure, private connection – like your home network.
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Verify Before You Click
Phishing scams often mimic order confirmations or customer service messages via email. Clicking these can lead to fake login pages or malware. Don’t trust links in emails or texts unless you’re sure of the source.
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Monitor Your Accounts Frequently
Even with precautions, scammers can sometimes slip through. Regularly checking your bank and credit card statements helps you catch unauthorized transactions early.
Set up transaction alerts with your bank or credit card provider. If you spot anything suspicious, report it immediately and freeze your card if needed.
Steps to Take if You Fall For a Scam
- Call your credit card company or your bank right away to dispute any suspicious charges.
- Contact local law enforcement.
- Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at gov.
Scammers know shoppers are rushed and distracted during the holidays. Slowing down before you pay is one of the best defenses. Happy shopping!” Ivana Cojbasic, Chief Information Security Officer
Additional Resources from Regions.com:
Additional Fraud Prevention Resources from Doing More Today:
The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.