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As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, shoppers eagerly anticipate the best deals of the year. However, this shopping frenzy also brings a surge in scams. At Silverwatch Academy, we want to ensure you stay informed and protected. Let’s explore some common scams to watch out for during these big sale days.
Impostor Emails from Retailers
Scammers often send fake emails posing as legitimate retailers. These emails might look authentic, complete with logos and branding, and typically contain links leading to phishing sites where they steal your personal and financial information. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Fraudulent Sites in Google Shopping
Scammers set up fake shopping websites that appear in search results or Google Shopping. While Google does a good job of removing these quickly, they may be inundated during periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday and some These sites might offer incredible deals, but their goal is to steal credit card details or personal information. Always research the website’s authenticity before making a purchase.
Inflated Retail Prices
A common trick is to inflate the “original” price of items, making the discounts seem more substantial than they are. Compare prices across different retailers and use price tracking tools to ensure you’re getting a genuine deal. Use a price comparison tool or browser extension you trust. An example might be Google Chrome’s price tracking tool.
Fake Social Media Ads
Beware of ads on social media platforms offering exclusive Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. Scammers often create fake ads that lead to phishing websites. If an ad interests you, visit the retailer’s official website directly rather than clicking on the ad.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices on high-demand items can be a red flag for a scam. Trust your instincts and steer clear of deals that seem unrealistic.
Non-Secure Payment Methods
Scammers may ask for payments through non-secure methods like wire transfers, pre-loaded gift cards, or cryptocurrencies. Always use secure, traceable payment methods and avoid transactions that feel suspicious.
Delivery Scams
In delivery scams, you might receive an email or text message claiming there’s an issue with your shipment. These messages usually contain links to phishing sites. Remember, legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information through such communications.
Gift Card Scams
Scammers might set up sites or send out emails to sell discounted gift cards, which turn out to be invalid. Purchase gift cards directly from known retailers or their authorized sellers.
Counterfeit Goods
The market is flooded with counterfeit goods during these sales events. Check product reviews, seller ratings, and be wary of items priced significantly below their usual rate. As mentioned above, be wary of deals that you see on email, in social media ads, and with too-good-to-be-true pricing on popular deal sites.
Bait and Switch Tactics
Retailers may advertise products at low prices to lure customers but switch them with higher-priced items once you’re shopping. Or there may be so many delivery, service, insurance, packaging, installation and other fees added on that the final price isn’t a deal at all. Read the fine print and understand the terms of the deal.
Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against these scams. Remember, if a deal feels off, it’s okay to walk away. Enjoy your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, but keep these tips in mind to stay safe and avoid scams.
For more tips on safe shopping and scam prevention, keep following Silverwatch Academy. Stay safe and shop smart!