Black Friday is a tradition originating in the United States that has spread worldwide. Initially, the term was used to describe the traffic and pedestrian frenzy occurring the day after Thanksgiving as the holiday shopping season began.
Today, it has become a global event marked by major discounts and promotions. With the rise of e-commerce, the tradition has expanded to include Cyber Monday, the following Monday, dedicated to online deals. Both large and small businesses, whether physical or online, often extend these promotions to maximize sales.
However, as online shopping increases, so do the risks. Cybercriminals aim to exploit shoppers' haste and excitement, underscoring the importance of secure transactions and vigilance against scams.
To avoid falling victim to fraud, follow this 10-step guide to safe shopping:
- Avoid using work devices for online shopping.
- Don't click on links or attachments from suspicious emails. Check URLs for odd characters, misspellings, or unexpected domains when buying from international retailers.
- Ensure websites are secure before entering personal information or completing transactions. Look for "HTTPS://" or the padlock icon in the URL. Also, review the site's privacy policy.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Credit cards offer better protection against fraudulent charges.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for shopping. These networks make it easier for fraudsters to access your banking information.
- Too good to be true? Be skeptical of unrealistic deals.
- Don't use your work email or corporate passwords for external websites. This prevents recognizable patterns that could expose company credentials.
- Keep your antivirus software up to date. Ensure your devices are protected against the latest threats.
- Monitor your bank statements for unusual activity. If you spot unrecognized charges, contact your bank immediately to dispute them.
- Lastly, use common sense and enjoy Black Friday responsibly!
