Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday 2024: How to Identify Fake Sites

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Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals often bring discounts that many look forward to all year long. However, along with these days of big promotions also comes increased online fraud activity. Cybercriminals take advantage of consumer interest to launch fake websites and profiles that look just as convincing as legitimate pages. In this guide, we share how to protect yourself from these scams and shop safely.

Why are Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday high-risk seasons? Statistics show a worrying increase in cybercrime during this time. The last Buen Fin alone saw a 300% increase in cyber scams, and Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday sales are no exception. Social media and messaging apps like Facebook and WhatsApp have become the main platforms for fraud.

In fact, 63% of online fraud occurs armenia number dataset these avenues, where scammers pitch “deals” on fake profiles and ads designed to look like those of well-known brands like Amazon and Walmart . Red flags: How do you know if a site is fake? For shoppers hoping to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals , spotting a fake website is key. Here are some important signs to look out for:

1. Check the security certificate (SSL)
Legitimate e-commerce websites have an SSL certificate, which ensures that data is transmitted securely. To check, look at the address bar: a secure site should start with “https” (with the “s” for secure) and display a padlock. Without this padlock, the page could be fake.

2.Look at the design and quality of the content
Scam sites often neglect visual details. Pay attention to spelling and grammar errors, or poor quality images in logos or graphics. These elements can be a red flag that you are not on a legitimate site.

3. Don't trust links on social networks without verification
Many scams occur on Facebook and WhatsApp , where scammers create profiles that look authentic. Before clicking on a discount link, check directly from your browser, searching for the store instead of following a suspicious link.

4. Look for a return policy and contact
Legitimate stores often offer return policies and multiple ways to contact them. If you don't find this information or the page looks incomplete, this could be a red flag. What to do if you find a suspicious site? If you find a site that looks suspicious, do not enter your personal or payment details. Look for reviews online or check if the store has a presence on other reliable platforms. If in doubt, avoid making purchases until you are sure.