Google has recently released an important update, signaling a caution for those engaging in online shopping during November. With the arrival of November, major retailers worldwide are rolling out their Black Friday deals, presenting an excellent opportunity for shoppers seeking discounts but also posing a risk for potential scammers.
According to Google’s latest advisory on fraud and scams, cybercriminals tend to heighten their fraudulent activities during holiday and shopping seasons like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The objective is to capitalize on increased consumer demand and urgency, enticing unsuspecting shoppers with deceptive offers that can lead to financial losses and data breaches.
Consumers browsing online or checking their Gmail accounts should remain vigilant for deals or notifications that seem suspicious or too good to be true. Google cautioned that scammers utilize various sophisticated tactics, including creating fake online stores resembling sponsored links and well-known brands, running misleading ad campaigns, and promoting unrealistic discounts on social media platforms.
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, individuals are also vulnerable to smishing and phishing schemes, where scammers attempt to deceive people into disclosing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data by posing as trustworthy entities.
One prevalent threat during these sales events is deceptive emails claiming missed packages or fake prize winnings. Google emphasized a surge in targeted phishing and smishing campaigns during this period, where scammers impersonate delivery services to demand phony redelivery fees or promote fictitious rewards.
While Google deploys new technology to combat scammers, such as blocking fake emails and unofficial websites, it is crucial for consumers to remain alert. The tech giant introduced enhanced protections against package tracking scams for Google Pixel 9 and later devices, offering additional defense through local Gemini models and Safe Browsing. Furthermore, Google recently unveiled enhanced protections in Google Messages to counter these fraudulent practices.