Black Friday or Black Fraud-day? A Prime Time for Fraud and Cyberattacks

As Black Friday approaches, shoppers eagerly anticipate major discounts and deals, hoping to snag a bargain. However, the surge in online shopping comes with a darker side: an increase in fraud and cyberattacks. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning on the rise of hackers on Black Friday, which is increasingly being dubbed “Black Fraud Day.”

According to recent data from Action Fraud, UK consumers lost over £11.5 million to online scams during the holiday period last year, with the vast majority of these incidents linked to fraudulent purchases made during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This represents an alarming increase of nearly £1 million compared to the previous year. The statistics underline the growing sophistication of scammers, including Black Friday hackers who are exploiting online shopping platforms to target unsuspecting shoppers. 

Cybersecurity experts have highlighted how fraudsters are using advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI), to craft highly convincing scams. These AI-driven attacks can be difficult to detect, making it even more crucial for shoppers to be vigilant during the Black Friday sale. Fraudsters may use fake websites, social media ads, or phishing emails to lure victims into entering sensitive personal and financial information. 

The Role of Hackers on Black Friday 

With so much of the population shopping online for Black Friday deals, it’s no surprise that hackers are eager to capitalize on this lucrative time. A key tactic used by cybercriminals is to create a false sense of urgency, enticing shoppers with limited-time offers or extremely low prices. This strategy plays on consumers’ fear of missing out, driving them to make quick, unwise decisions that put them at risk of fraud. 

The NCSC’s Richard Horne emphasized that cyber criminals often target the eagerness of consumers during the Black Friday rush, utilizing both traditional methods and more sophisticated AI-driven attacks to catch people off guard. “Unfortunately, this is also prime time for cyber criminals, who exploit bargain hunters with increasingly sophisticated scams,” Horne stated. 

In addition to phishing scams, Black Friday hackers often take advantage of unsecured websites and online marketplaces to carry out their attacks. Whether it’s a fake listing on a social media platform or a malicious link sent via email, these attacks can leave shoppers vulnerable to identity theft, financial loss, or worse. 

Tips to Stay Safe During the Black Friday Sale 

To help shoppers avoid falling victim to Black Friday cyberattacks, the NCSC and Action Fraud have provided a set of practical tips. First and foremost, experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important online accounts. This added layer of security can help prevent unauthorized access, even if a hacker has obtained your password. 

Another crucial piece of advice is to avoid clicking on links or offers from unverified sources. Scammers often use social media platforms and messaging apps to promote deals that seem too good to be true. Before making a purchase, always take the time to research the company or seller, checking reviews on trusted websites and ensuring that their website is secure (look for “https” in the URL). 

Fraud Minister Lord Hanson also weighed in on the importance of vigilance, urging shoppers to trust their instincts. “If something doesn’t feel right, stop what you’re doing, break contact, and do not click any links,” he advised. 

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Social Media and Online Marketplaces 

Online marketplaces and social media platforms have become a significant source of fraudulent activity during the Black Friday sale. In fact, 43% of fraud reports last year mentioned social media platforms, and nearly 19% of cases were linked to online marketplaces. Shoppers should be especially cautious when making purchases through these channels. 

Adam Mercer, Deputy Head of Action Fraud, cautioned consumers to avoid feeling pressured into making impulsive purchases. “A false sense of urgency is a tell-tale sign of a fraudster,” he said. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Mercer also recommended using credit cards instead of bank transfers for online purchases, as credit cards typically offer fraud protection. 

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