Common social media shopping scams

1. Fake or cloned websites: One of the most common scam tactics involves directing shoppers to websites that look identical to those of reputable brands. These sites use similar branding, logos, and layouts, but have subtle differences in the URL, such as .co instead of .com or .co.za. The pressure of losing out on the Black Friday deal can make consumers less vigilant, which fraudsters exploit by creating fake sites that lure shoppers in with unbeatable offers.
2. Deceptive dropshipping ads: Several ads on social media lead to dropshipping sites masquerading as local businesses, promising quick delivery and premium products. Shoppers may not realize they’ve purchased low-quality knockoffs until their orders arrive, with little to no recourse for returns or refunds. These ads often present as South African-based companies but are sourcing cheap goods from overseas, relying on the perception that because the advert appears on a reputable social media platform, the store is 100% legitimate too.
3. Phishing for personal and payment details: Social media scams frequently employ fake checkout pages or order forms to harvest sensitive information. These sites often display trusted payment icons, creating a false sense of legitimacy. If a site linked to social media seems suspicious, avoid entering personal details. Scammers often use this information for fraudulent transactions.
4. Black Friday giveaways and limited offers: Scam ads offering Black Friday giveaways or urging users to act quickly are designed to bypass normal caution. These pages might ask users to claim a prize by entering personal information or paying a small fee. Countdown timers and ‘last chance’ messages are used to create a sense of urgency, but it’s worth keeping in mind that legitimate retailers don’t use these methods like this to pressure shoppers.

Tips for social media shoppers

• Only trust ads from verified brand accounts, indicated by a blue checkmark, and review their post history and follower count to ensure you’re engaging with the real account.
• Double-check URLs carefully. Scammers use slight URL variations to mimic official sites. When in doubt, type the brand’s website into your browser directly.
• Take a second look at deals that seem too good to be true. While Black Friday discounts are enticing, extreme markdowns, especially on high-end products, are red flags not to be ignored.
• Check for clear contact details. Legitimate sites usually display a customer service phone number, address, or live chat. A lack of contact options should be viewed with suspicion.
• Ensure your security is up to date. Cybersecurity solutions like antivirus, firewalls, and internet protection must be installed on any connected device, especially your mobile phone.

It’s important to balance the excitement of shopping with a healthy dose of caution. By being a bit more vigilant, consumers avoid cybercriminals looking to make a quick buck. If a deal or an ad feels off, take a moment to double-check because protecting yourself online is just as important as finding a Black Friday bargain.

Editor’s Note: This article is written by Cybersecurity specialists at ESET Southern Africa

The post How to Stay ahead of Social Media Shopping Scams this Black Friday appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

So, for those who are curious, what exactly is online shopping? Well, online shopping is the act that allows consumers to directly buy goods or services from a seller(s) over the internet using a web browser or a mobile app. Customers may browse an online merchant’s product selection, find a product of interest adds the item(s) to their shopping cart, then complete the transaction using a credit card, debit card, or other secure payment methods. Customers can shop online using a range of different computers and devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablet computers, and smartphones.

An online shop evokes the physical analogy of buying products or services at a regular “bricks-and-mortar” retailer. While shopping online offers the convenience of making purchases from the comfort of your own home, there are a number of tips to look out for to help you shop online safely and confidently —among which include;

1. Shop from reputable websites: Always make sure to shop from websites that are well-established and have a good reputation. You can check for customer reviews, ratings, and feedback to ensure that the website is reliable.
2. Use secure payment methods: When shopping online, it is important to use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal to protect your personal and financial information. Avoid using debit cards as they offer less protection.
3. Check for security certificates: Before entering any personal or financial information on a website, make sure that it has a secure connection by checking for security certificates such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security).
4. Read the privacy policy: Make sure to read the website’s privacy policy to understand how your personal information will be used, stored, and protected.
5. Compare prices: Don’t settle for the first price you see. Take the time to compare prices from different websites to find the best deal.
6. Check for return policies: Make sure to read the website’s return policy before making a purchase, to ensure that you can return the item if necessary.
7. Read product descriptions: Always read the product description carefully before making a purchase, to make sure that you understand what you’re buying.
8. Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use deep discounts to lure customers into making a purchase.
9. Check the website’s contact information: Make sure that the website has valid contact information, such as a phone number or email address, so you can get in touch with them if needed.
10. Keep records of your purchases: Always keep records of your online purchases, including receipts and confirmation emails, in case you need to dispute a charge or return an item.

Online shopping is a modern phenomenon that has transformed how people buy products and services. With the growth of eCommerce, people can now purchase products and services from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need to physically visit a store. However, with the good comes the bad —and thus, the tips above can protect yourself while shopping online and make confident and safe purchases online.

ALSO READ: ONLINE SHOPPING IS GOOD, BUT POSES A NUMBER OF RISKS

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