How to shop safely on Black Friday? See 7 tips to avoid scams

There is an ongoing technological competition between those who commit fraud and the companies that work to prevent it.

Like the Black Friday is approaching, one of the most anticipated dates in the shopping calendar, concerns about the growth of tricks in the digital medium. The increase in attacks from phishingthe spread of fake pages, attacks on company databases or even the advertising of counterfeit products constitute an obstacle for traders and customers.

There is an ongoing technological competition between those who commit fraud and the companies that work to prevent it. The application of false evading facial biometric checks illustrates this progression well.

Thoran Rodrigues, CEO of BigDataCorp and specialist in digital securityexplains that: “As much as there is commitment on the part of e-commerce in the fight against fraud and scams, there is a part of the prevention work that must be carried out by consumers. Understanding how the most common scams work, paying attention to what you are doing and using the tools already available is what you need to have a smooth shopping experience.”

Therefore, to ensure your safety during Black Friday, the expert has collected some essential shopping tips:

• Attention is your greatest ally: The vast majority of browsers warn you, with specific pages, color changes in the navigation bar, warning icons and messages, when you are trying to access a website that could be considered suspicious. If you see a warning like this, don’t ignore it!
• Avoid promotional links: Serious stores send communications and promotional links only to registered customers who have agreed to receive these messages. Regardless of the channel through which you received the communication (email, SMS, WhatsApp or other), avoid clicking on the links. Access the store’s website and look for the promotion directly there.
• Check website security: As soon as you enter a website or click on a link, check your browser bar to make sure the website has “https” at the beginning of the address, which indicates it uses an SSL certificate. In addition to the certificate that guarantees data encryption, you can also view the details to make sure it is from the company you expect. Many browsers indicate security issues with warning signs or warning pages, so be careful.
• Check the website address: The same way you check the address when visiting someone in person to avoid going to the wrong place, check the address of the website you’re accessing. Fake websites are created with addresses that try to appear real, with small variations in spelling and with pages that try to imitate well-known shops.
• Protect your money: The purpose of the fraud is to steal your credit card or have money transferred to the wrong account. By using virtual cards (which you can usually get from your bank’s app) or e-wallets (like PayPal or MercadoPago), you protect your cards. Avoid paying by bank slip, use Pix to make transfers when possible, checking the details of who will receive the money.
• Beware of excessive discounts: Everyone loves a good deal and scammers know it. Offers with very low prices are a bait often used in scams, which can range from “receive money and don’t send the product” to information theft. If the discount is too large, be suspicious.
• Don’t shut up: One of the biggest advantages of scammers is the silence of consumers. If you see a suspicious transaction on your account or card, speak to your bank immediately. If you receive a suspicious message or email, contact the store’s official channel.

There are currently several tools available to all consumers that can help prevent problems while shopping. Most banks, for example, provide “virtual” credit card numbers, valid only for one purchase and then deleted, avoiding complications in the event of an information leak.

Transaction monitoring tools, both card and Pix, help detect unauthorized purchases, which can be disputed. All of these are components that strengthen safety and prevent damage.

“Running after a promotion and making a purchase anyway to take advantage of the low price can cause more harm than good. To have a good online shopping experience you need to pay attention and use the security resources available,” concluded the expert.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.