A significant weekend of shopping awaits as Black Friday 2025 commences tomorrow, November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on a wide range of products including tech gadgets, fashion items, and home appliances. It presents a prime opportunity for consumers to secure great deals and save money. However, it also signifies a peak period for fraudulent activities.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the hype surrounding Black Friday, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. In an effort to combat scams, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert about the escalating online threats. Amazon has also joined in by issuing a crucial warning.
In an email sent to users, Amazon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the busy shopping season. The company highlighted the need to recognize impersonation scams where scammers pose as trusted entities to solicit sensitive information like personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon warns that cybercriminals employ diverse strategies during Black Friday to prey on unsuspecting customers. These tactics include sending fake delivery notifications, prompting users to update their shopping accounts, or creating false urgencies to address non-existent issues.
Individuals who fall victim to these schemes may inadvertently disclose highly confidential information, enabling scammers to exploit it for financial gain or unauthorized access to accounts.
According to Amazon, prevalent scams in November involve deceptive messages regarding delivery or account issues, misleading social media posts from third parties promoting unrealistic deals, and illicit requests for passwords or payment details via unofficial channels.
Another common tactic is sending unfamiliar links that urge customers to verify their account credentials on counterfeit or phishing websites.
Amazon emphasizes that it will never request customers to verify their account credentials via email.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has outlined five prudent rules customers should follow:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, account modifications, delivery tracking, and refunds.
– Be aware that Amazon will never ask for payments or payment details (including gift cards or wire transfers) over the phone.
– Consider enabling 2-step verification on online accounts where available to prevent unauthorized access.
– Enhance security by using a passkey for sign-ins instead of passwords, using familiar methods like face or fingerprint recognition.
– Exercise caution when faced with urgent requests from potential scammers and refrain from immediate actions.
For those looking to seize Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to remain vigilant and only engage in transactions through official platforms like Amazon.co.uk. Be cautious of unexpected text or email messages and avoid clicking on suspicious links promising deals.