Avoid Searching for This Term: Fresh Alerts Issued by Chrome, Safari, Edge
If you're hopping out of bed early to snag some last-minute online shopping deals this week, be cautious, crooks are waking up even earlier. They're wise to your desires, ready to swipe your hard-earned cash and spoil your holiday cheer, and they've got a sneaky scheme up their sleeves.
The FBI has issued a warning to all web shoppers, urging them to dodge a collection of hazards when it comes to risky sites. Likewise, the U.S. cyber defense agency has followed suit. According to CISA, the best strategy to dodge falling for a trick is to buy directly from the sites of verified vendors and stay vigilant by recognizing the warning signs. Be wary of phony ads on social media platforms.
CISA's counsel mirrors the FBI's, although their focus is on password security and data harvesting. In the same vein, they advise shoppers to stick to encrypted websites, trustworthy retailers, and credit cards.
There's another twist to the story of what to steer clear of. With SEO manipulation and contamination skyrocketing, The Wall Street Journal cautions shoppers that the most straightforward Google queries could be the most harmful.
You should steer clear of searches such as “top vacuums” or “best dishwashers,” the WSJ advises, explaining that some companies buy Google advertisements to promote these “ratings” sites as a snap way to steer customers towards pricey knock-offs and scams. It's unsurprising that “best” seems to be the worst.
The sites you'll stumble upon, the WSJ warns, often display red flags like sponsored listings, foreign ownership, lack of contact information, and exaggerated “expert” reviews.
“A simple Google search can lead you directly to online ads that have been purchased by threat actors,” GuidePoint Security says. “These ads often appear legitimate and rank toward the top of search results, so that threat actors can outpace legitimate services or businesses.”
For Chrome, Safari, and Edge users, with their 95% share of the U.S. browser market, these warnings are essential and necessitate immediate attention. Regardless of whether you're using common search terms or something more specific, stay safe throughout the holiday season by keeping in mind the FBI's top suggestions:
- Carefully scrutinize URLs before you buy, ensuring “it's legitimate and secure.” Websites should have a secure connection padlock in the address bar and https at the beginning of the address.
- Don't shop on a new site until you've conducted some research and checked reviews. Remember, reviews can be fabricated, so investigate thoroughly.
- Avoid buying from websites or sellers posing as authorized dealers or factory reps of popular items in regions where such arrangements don't exist. You run a significant risk of counterfeit items or no items at all.
- Do not transact with sellers who claim to be based in the U.S. “but then respond to questions by stating they are abroad on business or a family emergency.”
- Don't buy from websites with strange shipping arrangements and don't buy from sellers who request direct money transfers. Always use a credit card.
- Don't pay with prepaid gift cards. “A seller will ask you to provide the gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for payment, the scammer will pilfer the funds, and you'll never receive your item.”
The goalposts are continually shifting. AI is making scams harder to spot. Foreign nationals can now compose more convincing, grammatically correct copy, sidestepping the telltale mistakes of the past. Scammers can now more convincingly mimic logos, easily fake product images, and manipulate search. Troublingly, almost 80% of marketing emails are now either scams or even more perilous malware.
However, remember, the FBI advises, “if it seems too good to be true, that's because it is.” And whatever you do, regardless of your desires, searching for the best will likely yield you more than you expected—and not in a positive manner.
- While holiday shopping online, be aware of potential scams, especially when using Google for searches, as the Wall Street Journal warns that top product searches may lead to scams offering pricey knock-offs.
- Amidst the holiday bargain shopping, it's essential to avoid shopping on unverified websites with red flags such as sponsored listings, foreign ownership, and exaggerated reviews.
- The FBI and CISA both warn against clicking on phony ads on social media platforms and shopping on new sites without conducting thorough research and checking reviews.
- When shopping online, be cautious of a Google warning: avoid search results that include “top vacuums” or “best dishwashers,” as these may lead to scam sites promoting pricey knock-offs.
