As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday, online scammers are on the rise, targeting unsuspecting shoppers. A recent Forbes report indicates a staggering 89% increase in fraudulent websites compared to the previous year, with approximately 80% of shopping-related emails being flagged as scams. Even trusted Google search results are being exploited to lure users into malicious sites. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to online shoppers, emphasizing the need to take precautionary measures during the holiday season to avoid falling victim to these scams.
The FBI urges users of popular web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge to remain vigilant and follow safety tips to protect themselves. The agency cautions shoppers to be wary of deals that appear too good to be true, as scammers tend to prey on unsuspecting individuals during the holiday season. Every year, thousands of people suffer losses due to holiday scams, ranging from financial theft to identity fraud.
Precautionary measures outlined by the FBI include being cautious of non-delivery scams, non-payment scams, auction fraud, and gift card fraud, all of which can result in financial losses and personal information being compromised. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) 2023 report, non-payment and non-delivery scams alone accounted for over $309 million in losses, with credit card fraud adding an additional $173 million.
The FBI’s alert serves as a reminder for shoppers to exercise caution when making online purchases and to report any suspicious activity to authorities. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect themselves, consumers can minimize the risk of falling victim to holiday scams during this festive season.
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