SHOPPERS WARNED NOT TO FALL FOR SCAMS DURING BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING FRENZY

SHOPPERS WARNED NOT TO FALL FOR SCAMS DURING BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING FRENZY

Shoppers hunting for a bargain on Black Friday later this month are being warned to watch out for scammers.

Ahead of the shopping bonanza on November 29, which is followed by Cyber Monday on December 2, research from TSB has found just one in seven (14%) people consider whether a website is fraudulent when shopping in these sales.

Nearly a third (30%) of people surveyed are planning to take part in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

TSB warned at peak shopping moments scammers are likely to take advantage of people with fake websites, identity theft and bogus adverts.

Last year, those who shopped on Black Friday spent an average £235, TSB's survey of more than 2,000 people from across the UK found.

But more than a third (36%) of those who have previously shopped on Black Friday or Cyber Monday have come to regret their spending.

Only 4% set a budget for Black Friday and just 3% plan to save in advance.

- TSB's Black Friday tips:

1. Consider whether an offer is too good to be true. Do you recognise the website or trust the retailer? Is the price realistic?

If not it could be a sign that the website is fake. Only use trusted websites and stick to their recommended payment process.

Look for the padlock symbol in the address bar and check the domain name.

2. Watch out for scam emails that may appear identical to real ones. Are the images copied from a web search?

Only send an electronic payment to someone you know or trust.

3. If you are shopping on the go, make sure you are protecting yourself and avoid making purchases using public Wi-Fi as fraudsters may compromise this.

4. Fraudsters also use messaging apps to circulate links to "money off" vouchers or discounts.

The links may be a ploy to infect your device with malware or make you part with your personal information.

5. Above everything, stop and think before you click.

Fraudsters thrive on stressful or rushed situations because people are less likely to think it through before making a payment or surrendering our information.

Always give yourself enough time to make a good decision.

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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