Black Friday Alert: 13 Million Phishing Attacks Uncovered

With Black Friday on the horizon, Kaspersky has unveiled a comprehensive report shedding light on the latest cyber threats associated with holiday shopping. The report discloses a staggering 13 million e-shop-related phishing attacks in 2023, showcasing scammers’ diverse tactics, including impersonating popular marketplaces, luxury brands, and gadget stores.

Experts from the cybersecurity company emphasize that scams and phishing remain go-to strategies for fraudsters aiming for financial gains. In the initial ten months of 2023, Kaspersky identified a substantial 30,803,840 phishing attacks directed at online shopping, payment systems, and banking institutions. E-commerce platforms served as the bait in 43.5% of these attacks, totaling 13,390,142 incidents.

Notably, since October, there has been a threefold increase in domains incorporating the term “Black Friday.” These websites range from non-existent storefronts to convincing replicas of legitimate online outlets. Kaspersky consistently detects numerous fraudulent stores offering clothing, appliances, and gadgets, with prevalent schemes involving fake stores where consumers pay for products they never receive.

Another deceptive tactic involves linking a card to purportedly make a payment for goods, enabling scammers to gradually siphon money and deplete victims’ accounts. For example, a misleading website emulates a renowned shopping platform, luring users with an offer to acquire an €800 gift card for a mere €1.95. As the promised gift card is invariably non-existent, users fall victim to the scammers orchestrating this fraudulent setup. 

Kaspersky’s experts also unveiled that fraudsters directed scams at potential victims, leveraging big brand industry leaders such as eBay, Walmart, Alibaba, and local platforms like Mercado Libre in 240,000 phishing attacks. The temptation of larger thefts drives scammers to impersonate luxury brands. Tech enthusiasts are targeted through mimicked Apple products and services, with Kaspersky detecting 2.8 million phishing attacks in this category from January to October 2023. Gamers face similar risks, falling prey to console scams promising purchases but ultimately leaving them with empty pockets. 

Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky, emphasizes the heightened risk during peak shopping events like Black Friday. Fraudsters capitalize on increased online traffic and shoppers’ eagerness for deals. Svistunova advises consumers to exercise caution, adopt secure online practices, and protect themselves against potential threats while navigating the digital marketplace. 

For further insights into the shopping threat landscape in 2023, visit Securelist.com. To make the most of Black Friday safely, consider the following recommendations:

– Exercise caution with links and attachments received via email; verify the sender before opening any content.

– Double-check e-shop websites for accuracy, ensuring correct URLs and flagging any spelling errors or design flaws.

– Safeguard all devices used for online shopping with a reliable security solution; Kaspersky Premium offers protection against a wide range of shopping scams.

– When considering purchases from unfamiliar companies, consult reviews before making decisions.

– Despite taking precautions, discrepancies may only become apparent upon reviewing bank or credit card statements. Regularly check online statements for legitimacy, and if discrepancies arise, contact the bank or credit card company promptly to address the issue.