Shoppers warned of rising online scams as Black Friday nears

Cybersecurity consultancy NCC Group is advising shoppers across the UK to remain vigilant as Black Friday approaches, highlighting an expected surge in online scams targeting consumers seeking holiday deals. The advice follows projections that Britons will spend nearly USD $80 billion over the Black Friday weekend, a sharp increase from the previous year.

Escalating scam risks

Shoppers are being warned that cybercriminals are especially active during peak retail events such as Black Friday. The urgency around limited-time discounts creates what NCC Group describes as a "perfect environment" for scams. Payment fraud and counterfeit retail websites are already rife, with more than 120,000 fraudulent Amazon sites identified during the recent Amazon Prime Day.

The dramatic increase in online spending makes shoppers prime targets for scammers, who often use time-sensitive offers to pressure consumers into making rash decisions. Social media adverts and deceptive emails are among the primary tools used to lure shoppers to illegitimate platforms.

Connected devices risk

Technology and electronics are predicted to constitute 45% of Black Friday purchases this year. NCC Group is warning that many connected devices, such as speakers, smart lighting, and fitness trackers, could pose risks if security updates are not promptly installed. Unmaintained devices can provide cybercriminals with access to home networks.

Consumers are advised to stay alert about whether devices, especially new purchases, are running the latest firmware and software. Failure to do so may enable attackers to compromise personal data or other devices connected to the same network.

Second-hand tech concerns

A rise in the 'cost-of-living crisis' has led many consumers to consider second-hand devices as a budget-friendly alternative. However, NCC Group highlights that these purchases can include hidden risks, such as malware or devices still linked to previous owners' accounts. This exposes consumers to additional privacy and security threats, especially when products are sourced from less reputable outlets or websites with unverifiable credentials.

Deepfake advertising

Scams involving deepfake video advertisements are becoming increasingly common. According to NCC Group, up to 60% of shoppers have now encountered suspicious advertisements or promotions online, many of which attempt to direct consumers to fraudulent websites. Shoppers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of platforms before making any purchases and to be particularly wary of links and offers shared on social media.

Overseas app precautions

Purchases made through lesser-known international shopping applications may also pose risks, including non-compliance with domestic safety standards or hidden hardware that can compromise data security. NCC Group suggests exercising caution with unfamiliar overseas retailers and said buyers should always check for trustworthy payment systems and registered reviews.

Payment and checkout

At the checkout, consumers are reminded to look out for red flags, especially requests for direct bank transfers or a lack of professionalism in communications from sellers. The group recommends using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and sticking to recognised payment platforms to help secure transactions.

Scam response tips

Immediate response is essential if a shopper suspects a scam. This may include contacting payment providers to block transactions, changing passwords that may have been compromised, and running full anti-virus scans if there are concerns about malware. NCC Group urges consumers to adopt strong, unique credentials for all accounts as a preventative measure.

"Black Friday notoriously exposes shoppers to scams, creating the perfect environment for cyber criminals. They thrive on the panic and urgency that big sales generate, counting on people to act before they think. Being vigilant is crucial. If something feels off, or feels 'too good to be true', it probably is. A cautious mindset is your best defence, especially during high-traffic shopping events when online threats are at their peak," said Andy Davis, Global Research Director, NCC Group.