Surelock – Black Friday
It’s BLACK FRIDAY the busiest online shopping day of the year, please be careful especially when shopping online.
Already, in the first half of this year, UK Finance reported that purchase scam losses rose by nearly £10m compared to the first half of 2022, with over 76,000 cases reported. These scams are a problem throughout the whole year, but fraudsters will take advantage of events at the end of the year to target potential customers before Christmas.
Purchase scams happen when someone pays for goods or services – usually online, through a website or social media – but doesn’t receive them. They can be difficult to spot, with fraudsters often building realistic-looking websites but selling fake or non-existent products. You might come across deals that seem too good to be true or which are for a limited time only. These are techniques fraudsters use to pressure you into making a payment quickly and without confirming the products exist.
Look out for deals that appear too good to be true. If the price seems unrealistic or the seller is putting pressure on you to act immediately, then it’s likely a scam.
Be alert if the seller will only accept bank transfer as a way to pay. If they won’t allow payment by an established and secure payment method, such as a credit card, this is a red flag.
Shoppers who are looking to grab a bargain this Black Friday are being warned to take their time before buying – as not all “deals” are actually good value. ‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’ – Black Friday shoppers told to be on scam alert as fraudsters prepare to capitalise on Christmas buying frenzy!
New research found that only one in seven Black Friday deals offer a genuine discount. In fact, findings show that the majority of promotions are cheaper or the same price months before the sale day.
Christmas shoppers are being warned to remain on high alert over potential scams ahead of Black Friday on 24 November.
And research from the bank shows that almost nine in 10 Britons are relying on Black Friday to do some or all of their Christmas shopping this year.
Almost half of Britons are planning to do their shopping online, leaving them more vulnerable to scammers.
With the average Briton expected to spend over £200 on shopping during Black Friday this year, Banks are urging shoppers to take extra care when purchasing online throughout the sales season.
Surelock has a dedicated team who deal with internet / social media infringements worldwide, who have taken down numerous bogus web sites and many thousands of online infringing marketplace listings for trademark and copyright infringements.
If you need help with your brands protection, please view our web site – https://www.surelock.org/services/brand-protection
Or give us a call to discuss on tele: 0333 6000 300 / email: [email protected]
Or give us a call to discuss on tele: 0333 6000 300 / email: [email protected]