Don’t let Black Friday cloud your judgment
IT’S Black Friday tomorrow followed by Cyber Monday next week which signifies two big things every year: lots of great online shopping deals and a flurry of scammers targeting innocent buyers. I’ve been running a Scam Awareness Campaign for the past few months on my LBC Consumer Hour radio show and I must have heard hundreds of tales of woe. However, Express reader David, from Gillingham, Kent, contacted me this week and I suspect the fraud he has fallen victim to is widespread. So I want to share David’s story as a warning to others and give you some advice on the matter.
Like many parents, David has been trying desperately to get his hands on the new Sony PlayStation 5 for his son for Christmas.
However, everywhere he looked, it was sold out. He then received an email claiming to be from an online trader who had the PlayStation 5 in stock.
The email alleged the trader had just received a large stock directly from Sony and that these had now been released for sale. Of course, it went on to give the usual “Hurry while stocks last” warning.
David did just that, he immediately clicked on the link in the email, which took him to what looked like a genuine retailer’s website. Without any hesitation he clicked on buy now and paid with his card.
He was expecting delivery within three days. He waited 10 days before chasing the trader at which point he discovered he had been the victim of a scam.
Sadly, David will be one of many victims who fall for a scam like this.
Luis Navarro, co- founder at WFH IT
Support, told me: “Cybercriminals are getting smarter each year and will be using the recent launches of tech products, such as the PlayStation 5 and iPhone 12 to steal private details and money.”
If you are in the market for one of these popular tech products be wary of emails, texts or adverts that claim retailers have the goods in stock.
In particular, beware of fake Amazon emails.
My advice is: Never click on a link in an email but instead go to the website of a trusted trader you know and type in the address yourself.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.