A significant weekend of shopping awaits as Black Friday 2025 is set to begin tomorrow, on November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on a wide range of products including tech gadgets, fashion items, and home appliances, presenting a great opportunity to secure attractive deals and save money. However, it is also a time when malicious activities peak.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the Black Friday frenzy, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers online. To combat the increasing online threats, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert about the surge in cyber attacks. Amazon has now joined in by issuing a crucial warning as well.
In an email sent to users and reviewed by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the importance of being vigilant during the upcoming busy shopping season. The email stated, “Stay informed with these tips to help identify impersonation scams—instances where scammers pose as trusted companies to obtain sensitive information such as personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.”
What should consumers be wary of?
Amazon warns that cybercriminals employ various strategies during Black Friday to target unsuspecting shoppers. Tactics commonly used include sending false delivery notifications, requesting updates to shopping accounts, or creating a sense of urgency to address non-existent issues.
Individuals who fall prey to these schemes may unknowingly disclose highly sensitive information, which scammers can exploit to steal funds or gain unauthorized access to accounts.
According to Amazon, some prevalent scams in November involve deceptive messages regarding deliveries or account issues, deceptive third-party social media posts promoting seemingly unbelievable deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial means.
Another tactic involves sharing unfamiliar links that prompt customers to “verify” their account credentials on fraudulent or phishing websites.
“Amazon will never request customers to verify their account credentials via emails,” the company cautioned.
To navigate the upcoming shopping days successfully, Amazon has introduced five essential rules to follow:
- Always utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, including customer service, account modifications, delivery tracking, and refund inquiries.
- Remember, Amazon will never ask for payments or payment details (including gift cards or wire transfers) over the phone for products or services.
- Consider enabling 2-step verification when available to enhance security on online accounts and prevent unauthorized access. 2-step verification can be set up at amazon.co.uk/2SV.
- Enhance security and save time by using a passkey for logging in, which is a more secure method compared to passwords and can be paired with facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN. Set up a passkey at amazon.co.uk/passkey.
- Be cautious when someone tries to create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate actions. Exercise vigilance whenever pressured to act promptly.
To secure a discount this Black Friday, it is crucial to remain vigilant and only shop through official websites like Amazon.co.uk. Additionally, be cautious of unexpected text or email messages and refrain from clicking on any links offering deals.