// TSB survey found that only 14% of shoppers check for fraudulent signs during Black Friday weekend
// The bank warned on scammers putting up fake websites and bogus adverts or commit identity theft
Shoppers hunting for a bargain on Black Friday weekend later this month are being warned to watch out for scammers.
Ahead of the shopping holiday on November 29, which is then followed by Cyber Monday on December 2, research from TSB has found that only 14 per cent of people would consider whether a website is fraudulent when shopping during these sales.
TSB found that 30 per cent of people surveyed were planning to take part in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
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The bank warned that at peak shopping moments, scammers are likely to take advantage of shoppers by putting up fake websites and bogus adverts or commit identity theft.
Last year, those who shopped on Black Friday spent an average £235, TSB’s survey of more than 2000 people from across the UK found.
However, 36 per cent of those who have previously shopped on Black Friday or Cyber Monday have come to regret their spending.
Only four per cent set a budget for Black Friday and just three per cent plan to save in advance.
TSB’s Black Friday tips:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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