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How to Avoid Black Friday Scams and Shop Securely with MetroVPN

author

Dominic David

Oct 29, 2024 | 7 min read
  • Privacy
  • Online threats
  • Tips
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Black Friday Scam

 

Overview

 

Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days worldwide, bringing fantastic deals — and, unfortunately, a high risk of scams. This guide will introduce seven common Black Friday scams, provide actionable tips on avoiding them, and explain how MetroVPN can enhance your security with privacy features and global shopping benefits. With MetroVPN's Black Friday deal, you can enjoy up to 78% off, making secure shopping accessible and affordable.

 

Contents

 

About Black Friday Scams

Seven Common Types of Black Friday Scams

Seven Ways to Avoid Black Friday Scams

MetroVPN Black Friday Deal – Secure Shopping Made Affordable

Conclusion

 

About Black Friday Scams

 

During Black Friday, the internet floods with deals and offers — some of which are scams. Cybercriminals know that shoppers are on the hunt for discounts and often exploit this by setting up fake websites, sending phishing emails, and using other tactics to trick people into sharing personal and payment details. With cybersecurity threats on the rise during this shopping period, taking measures to protect your data is essential.

 

Seven Common Types of Black Friday Scams

 

1. Phishing Emails and Fake Promo Links

Cybercriminals create realistic-looking emails from popular stores, offering deep discounts and exclusive deals. These emails often contain links to phishing websites designed to capture personal information like credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords. Tip: Always verify the sender and go directly to the store's official website if you're interested in the promotion.

2. Fake E-commerce Sites

These sites mimic real retail websites, offering "too good to be true" prices on popular items. Scammers create these sites to steal credit card details, billing information, and other personal data. Look for small differences in the URL or website design, as scammers often replicate legitimate websites imperfectly.

3. Social Media Scams

Fake giveaways and discount offers circulate widely on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These scams often entice users to click on harmful links or to share sensitive information. If you come across a deal on social media, verify the account's authenticity before clicking any links.

4. Impersonation of Customer Support

Some scammers pose as customer service representatives for popular retail brands, usually by phone or through pop-ups on fake websites. They may ask for personal or financial information, claiming to "help resolve" purchase issues. Legitimate support rarely asks for such details over the phone or via email.

5. False Delivery Notifications

This scam involves sending fake delivery emails or texts that prompt users to pay a fee or confirm delivery details. These emails often contain malware or redirect users to phishing pages. Real shipping companies will not ask for payment through unofficial channels or third-party links.

6. Shopping Rewards and Coupon Scams

Scammers lure users by promising rewards or coupons in exchange for personal information or survey participation. These scams exploit the appeal of free deals and often lead to spam emails, data breaches, or identity theft.

7. Fake Reviews and Ratings

Scammers inflate ratings and reviews on fraudulent websites to make them appear legitimate. These reviews can convince shoppers to proceed with purchases without realizing they're on a fake site. Look for inconsistencies in reviews and verify the site's trustworthiness before making a purchase.

 

Seven Ways to Avoid Black Friday Scams

 

1. Use a Trustworthy VPN Like MetroVPN

MetroVPN hides your IP, preventing advertisers and hackers from tracking your browsing history. This also helps you avoid targeted ads that could be part of phishing attempts. The encryption features make it safer to shop, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

2. Verify Links and Email Authenticity

Instead of clicking on links in emails, visit the retailer's official website directly. Double-check email addresses and domains to ensure they match official sources. Many scams rely on slightly altered URLs, so inspect each link carefully.

3. Examine URLs for Security

Always look for HTTPS in the URL. Sites with HTTPS have a security certificate, which means they're encrypted. Avoid entering payment information on sites that only use HTTP, as these may lack security measures.

4. Set Strong Passwords and Enable 2FA

Creating unique, complex passwords for different websites can prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if one password is compromised. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of security, requiring a code in addition to your password.

5. Be Cautious of Social Media Ads

Avoid clicking on ads from unknown retailers or unfamiliar brands on social media. Scammers often target platforms like Instagram and Facebook with fake Black Friday ads. Stick to brands you trust, or verify the company's legitimacy through reviews and official websites.

6. Compare Prices Across Regions Using MetroVPN

With MetroVPN, you can switch between server locations to check for regional price differences on shopping websites. This way, you can spot legitimate deals and avoid traps that might appear when searching from only one region.

7. Limit Sharing of Personal and Payment Information

Avoid giving out personal details unnecessarily. Even legitimate websites don't typically need your Social Security number or other sensitive data for a simple purchase. MetroVPN's Risk Barriers feature can help block suspicious websites that may misuse personal information.

 

MetroVPN Black Friday Deal – Secure Shopping Made Affordable

 

This Black Friday, MetroVPN offers its best deal of the year with a 24-month plan + 6 months free, all for just $2.19/month. With 78% off, you'll get premium cybersecurity tools for less than the cost of a coffee. This offer is ideal for those looking to protect their data during holiday shopping and benefit from MetroVPN's global server coverage, high-speed performance, and dedicated support.

 

Conclusion

 

Shopping safely during Black Friday is crucial, as scams are more prevalent than ever. MetroVPN provides an effective solution, helping you stay secure, avoid tracking, and access the best prices with its comprehensive privacy features. By following our tips and using a reliable VPN like MetroVPN, you can enjoy Black Friday deals without risking your personal and financial information.

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