A significant shopping weekend is approaching, as Black Friday 2025 is set to commence on November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on various products like technology gadgets, fashion items, and household appliances, presenting an excellent opportunity for consumers to grab great deals and save money. However, it also marks a period of heightened scam activities.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the Black Friday frenzy, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. In an effort to combat the rising threat of online scams, UK telecommunications network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert. Following suit, Amazon has now issued its own important warning to customers.
In an email communication to users, as reported by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the importance of being vigilant during the busy shopping season. The company highlighted the need for customers to be aware of impersonation scams, where scammers pose as trusted entities to solicit sensitive information such as personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon advises shoppers to be wary of cybercriminals who utilize different strategies during Black Friday to prey on unsuspecting individuals. Some common methods include sending fake delivery notifications, prompting users to update their shopping accounts, or creating a sense of urgency to resolve non-existent issues.
Those who fall victim to these schemes may unknowingly 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 related to delivery or account issues, misleading social media posts promoting overly enticing deals, and requests for passwords or payment information through unofficial channels.
Another tactic employed by scammers is sending unfamiliar links that coerce customers to verify their account credentials on counterfeit or phishing websites. Amazon explicitly stated that it never requests customers to verify their account credentials via email.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has outlined five crucial rules for consumers to follow:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, including customer service, account modifications, order tracking, and refund inquiries.
– Be cautious as Amazon will never request payments or payment details (such as gift cards or wire transfers) over the phone for products or services.
– Consider enabling 2-step verification for added security on online accounts whenever possible. The feature can be set up at amazon.co.uk/2SV.
– Enhance security and convenience by using a passkey for signing in, which offers a safer alternative to passwords and can be set up at amazon.co.uk/passkey using existing face, fingerprint, or PIN authentication methods.
– Exercise caution when faced with urgent demands from potential scammers, as they may attempt to pressure individuals into immediate action.
For those looking to capitalize on Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to remain alert and conduct shopping exclusively through official platforms like Amazon.co.uk. Additionally, beware of unsolicited text or email messages and refrain from clicking on any unfamiliar links promising deals.