Secure great deals and avoid scams this Black Friday

As Black Friday on 24th November and Cyber Monday on 27th November approach, consumers eagerly anticipate snagging fantastic deals from leading brands looking to boost sales before Christmas. However, amidst the billions in savings touted as “not to be missed,” the heightened communication frenzy presents an opportunity for cyber criminals to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, cyber criminals are leveraging scams more than ever to part consumers from their money. The increasing sophistication of these scams makes it challenging for individuals to discern between genuine deals and potential pitfalls.

Our top 10 precautions to heed during this Black Friday and Cyber Monday include:

1. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Exercise caution before clicking to purchase, and consider seeking the opinion of friends or relatives on the deal’s authenticity.
2. Beware of unusual or suspicious communications. Be it emails, phone calls, text messages, or websites, stay vigilant for signs of potential scams.
3. Use secure payment methods. Opt for reputable and secure payment options to protect your financial information.
4. Research unfamiliar businesses. Before making a purchase, investigate the legitimacy of new vendors. Check for a website, registered office, and customer reviews.
5. Minimise the information you share. Only provide necessary details and avoid creating unnecessary accounts.
6. Employ unique passwords. Use a different password for each website and keep this information secure. Consider using a password manager for added protection.
7. Consider using a credit card. Credit cards may offer additional protection against fraudulent transactions.
8. Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi, especially in public places. Unsecured networks can be vulnerable to hacking attempts.
9. Monitor your bank account. Stay vigilant for any unusual transactions and contact your bank immediately if you notice anything suspicious.
10. Enhance security with multifactor authentication. A strong password coupled with multifactor authentication reduces the risk of unauthorised transactions.

Both consumers and businesses face potential risks during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Taking proactive steps, such as obtaining Cyber Essentials certification and purchasing insurance against cyber-enabled crime, can significantly enhance security. For more information on Cyber Essentials, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the cyber risks associated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday contact our team at 01905 21681 or email Enquiries@sutcliffeinsurance.co.uk.