As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, savvy shoppers across the Isle of Man and beyond are on the hunt for unbeatable deals in the countdown to Christmas. But while you're searching for bargains, cyber criminals are searching for victims. This time of year sees a spike in online scams, fake websites, and phishing emails designed to catch you off guard.
To help you shop smart and stay secure, we’ve put together our top tips to avoid falling for festive frauds.
What Common Scams Look Like
- Phishing Emails
Scammers send emails that look like they’re from trusted retailers or delivery companies. These often include urgent messages like “Your order is delayed” or “Confirm your payment details.” Clicking links in these emails can lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal or financial information.
- Social Media Posts
Fraudulent posts or ads appear on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, offering unbelievable discounts or giveaways. They often include links to fake stores or ask you to share personal details to “claim your prize.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Fake Delivery Texts
Knowing that people expect more deliveries during Black Friday, scammers send texts claiming you need to pay a small fee to release your parcel or update delivery details. These messages often include links to phishing sites. Legitimate delivery companies will never ask for payment via text.
How to avoid being caught out
- Does the deal look unrealistically cheap or suspiciously generous?
Scammers often lure victims with unbelievably low prices on popular items, particularly at this time of year. If a deal seems suspiciously cheap, especially from an unfamiliar seller, it could be a fake website or product. Trust your instincts and compare prices across reputable sellers.
- Avoid links from emails or text’s that you don’t recognise!
Phishing emails and social media ads may contain links that look legitimate but lead to malicious sites. Hover over the link to preview the URL. If it looks odd, misspelled, or doesn’t match the brand DON’T click! When in doubt, go directly to the legitimate retailer’s website.
- Verify the website is legitimate
Before entering any personal or financial details, check:
- Is your connection to the website secure? Look for a URL that begins with https:// or a padlock icon next to the address in your browser. Using an up-to-date, mainstream browser makes it easier to verify the validity of the web address.
- Are there genuine customer reviews?
- Is the site listed on trusted directories or review platforms?
Fake websites often mimic real ones, so double-check before you buy.
- Secure your accounts
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (Also known as Two-Factor Authentication) on your email, shopping accounts and payment platforms. This adds an extra layer of protection! Even if your password is compromised, a scammer would still need access to your second factor (like a code sent to your phone).
- Use guest checkout when possible
Using guest checkout can reduce the amount of personal data being stored online and lower the risk of your data being stolen if the site is later breached.
- Choose secure payments methods
Use credit cards or trusted payment platforms like PayPal. These offer better fraud protections than bank transfers or debit cards. Never send money via wire transfer or cryptocurrency or gift vouchers for online purchases.
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