Black Friday entices with great offers, but caution is advised. Cyber threats and Online fraud are on the rise during this time. Criminals are using sophisticated methods to get their hands on your money. One example shows how serious the situation is: a 60-year-old man from Thuringia lost 32,000 euros through romance scamming.
Black Friday phishing is particularly dangerous. Fraudsters send fake emails that look like genuine parcel notifications. They lure victims with false profiles and use emotional manipulation. No one is safe from these tricks.
The consumer advice center warns of a new scam: fraudsters pretend to be Amazon employees. They claim that your account has been blocked and ask you to install "security software". Don't fall for it! Genuine companies never ask for sensitive data by e-mail.
Important findings
- Black Friday phishing is increasing, be vigilant
- Check emails and links carefully
- Do not disclose any personal data
- Use secure passwords and 2-factor authentication
- In case of suspicion: Contact customer support directly
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday, the big shopping event from the USA, heralds the start of the Christmas shopping season. Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, retailers entice shoppers with mega discounts. But alongside bargain hunters, cyber criminals are also on the hunt.
History of Black Friday
Black Friday has its roots in the 1960s. Originally a US phenomenon, it has since developed into a global shopping day. It has been gaining in importance in Germany since 2013.
Popular products and offers
Electronics, fashion and household goods are the big sellers on Black Friday. Online stores outdo each other with discounts of up to 70%. But beware: not every offer is genuine. Phishing emails and fake stores take advantage of the bargain hunting. E-mail security is therefore particularly important.
Significance for online retail
Black Friday is a sales driver for e-commerce. In 2024, almost 25% of cybercrime victims stated that they had been defrauded while shopping online. Identity theft is increasing. Companies are arming themselves: EDR, XDR and MDR are designed to ward off hackers. Nevertheless, only 7 of the 20 largest German retailers protect their customers adequately against fraud.
"According to the DsiN Security Index, 13 percent of users were victims of shopping fraud on Black Friday."
To store safely, consumers should be vigilant and pay attention to E-mail security pay attention. Black Friday remains a highlight in retail - with light and shade.
The dangers of phishing on the Internet
Phishing poses a serious threat to Internet users. Especially during Black Friday, fraudulent activities are on the rise. An effective Spam detection is therefore essential for the Phishing protection.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a scam in which criminals attempt to steal sensitive data. They use fake emails, websites or text messages to obtain account information and passwords. Statistics show an alarming increase in such activities around Black Friday.
Typical phishing methods
Fraudsters use various tactics:
- Fake e-mails with supposed special offers
- Fraudulent websites that look deceptively similar to real stores
- False notifications about alleged orders
The psychological tricks of fraudsters
Criminals use psychological tricks to persuade victims to disclose data:
| Trick | Effect |
|---|---|
| Time pressure | Victims act hastily |
| Fake authority | Generates trust |
| Personalization | Increases credibility |
Vigilance is required to protect yourself. Use secure passwords, check SSL certificates and do not click on suspicious links. A good Spam detection also helps with Phishing protection.
How do you recognize phishing messages?
Phishing messages pose considerable Security risks are. The risk of fraud attempts increases, especially on Black Friday on November 29. The Federal Office for Information Security warns against fake online stores and fraudsters who exploit this discount campaign.
Indications of fake e-mails
Fake emails can often be recognized by unusual sender addresses or spelling mistakes. Fraudsters use urgent requests to persuade users to disclose sensitive data. A BSI expert emphasizes that it is becoming increasingly difficult to detect phishing emails.
Suspicious links and attachments
Caution is advised with links that lead to fake websites. Malware-laden file attachments pose additional dangers and can lead to ransomware attacks. The economic damage caused by phishing attacks in Germany is estimated to be in the tens of millions every year.
Warning signals for online transactions
You should pay attention to secure connections (https) for online transactions. Incomplete imprint information or unusual payment requests are warning signals. Customers who do not receive ordered goods or notice unauthorized access to their account should react immediately.
| Warning signals | Measures |
|---|---|
| Urgent requests | Keep calm, do not act hastily |
| Suspicious links | Do not click, check URL |
| Unusual senders | Check your e-mail address carefully |
| Missing imprint data | Questioning store reliability |
Safety measures when shopping
In times of Black Friday phishing and increasing Cyber threats it is important to remain vigilant when shopping online. According to a study by the BSI and ProPK, almost a quarter of cybercrime victims fell for online shopping fraud in 2024. Some measures are essential to protect yourself.
Use of secure passwords
Strong passwords are the first line of defense against hackers. Use a unique, complex password for each online store. A password manager can help you to manage these securely.
Activate two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security. Activate this function wherever possible to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
Secure browsing and making purchases
Pay attention to secure connections when shopping online. Check the URL for the "https" prefix and the lock symbol. Be careful with unexpected offers or requests to enter data.
| Security measure | Benefit | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Secure passwords | Protection against unauthorized access | Complex, unique passwords for every store |
| Two-factor authentication | Additional security level | Activation in account settings |
| Secure browsing | Avoidance of phishing sites | Checking the URL and connection security |
Bear in mind that fraudsters use every opportunity to Cyber threats to spread. Especially during Black Friday, scams on social media increase massively. Stay vigilant and check offers carefully before you strike.
Tips for recognizing reputable online stores
To Online fraud it is important to recognize reputable online stores. Here are some tips that can help you do this:
Checking customer ratings
Read reviews from other customers. Look for a large number of detailed and authentic reviews. Be wary of stores with only positive reviews or those that have only recently been created.
Pay attention to imprint and contact information
A complete legal notice is required by law. It should contain clear contact information. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warns: An incomplete legal notice is often a sign of a fake store.
Recognize certificates and safety signs
Trustworthy online stores have security certificates. Look for the HTTPS protocol in the browser line and seals of approval such as Trusted Shops or TÜV.
- Check prices in advance and compare them with other providers
- Be suspicious of extremely cheap offers
- Pay attention to clear delivery times and return conditions
- Use secure payment methods for more E-mail security
In the event of problems, act quickly: stop payments, file a complaint and use buyer protection. The BSI offers an "online shopping SOS card" with important protective measures.
| Feature | Reputable store | Fake store |
|---|---|---|
| Imprint | Complete | Incomplete or missing |
| Contact information | Clear and detailed | Vague or non-existent |
| Customer reviews | Diverse and authentic | Only positive or missing |
| Security certificates | Available | Often missing |
What to do with suspicious emails?
In times of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the risk of Identity theft and fraudulent e-mails. It is important for consumers to be vigilant and react correctly.
Immediate reaction: Do not click!
If you receive suspicious e-mails, stay away from links and attachments! These may contain malware or lead to fake websites. Instead, you should move the message to the spam folder or delete it.
Reporting phishing attempts
You should report phishing attempts immediately. Many e-mail providers offer special functions for this Spam detection. Also inform those around you about current scams to protect others.
Backup your own data
For the prevention of Identity theft is recommended:
- Regular review of account statements
- Updating passwords
- Activation of two-factor authentication
If you suspect data misuse, contact your bank immediately and change all relevant access data. Use secure payment methods such as credit card or purchase on account for online purchases.
Experts advise: Act immediately in the event of cyberattacks, especially if orders fail to materialize or your account is used without authorization.
By acting prudently and using effective spam detection, you can protect yourself from the dangers of identity theft and shop safely online.
The role of companies in the fight against phishing
Companies are on the front line in the fight against phishing. Especially during Black Friday, one of the highest-selling shopping events in the world, they have to take special precautions to prevent Security risks to minimize.
Security guidelines for online stores
Online stores should implement strict security guidelines. This includes the use of encryption technologies such as S/MIME and OpenPGP to protect business-critical emails. Network segmentation and multi-factor authentication provide additional security. Phishing protection.
Customer education and information
Educating customers is crucial. Companies should provide regular information about current scams. For example, Coca-Cola warns about fake competitions on Facebook on its website. Training and workshops on recognizing phishing emails are also important.
Phishing defense technologies
Modern technologies play a key role in phishing defense. Email security solutions with machine learning can detect and block suspicious patterns at an early stage. A combination of AI and human expertise is particularly effective.
| Measure | Effect |
|---|---|
| Employee training | Increased vigilance against phishing attempts |
| AI-supported email filters | Automatic detection and blocking of suspicious emails |
| Two-factor authentication | Additional security level for access |
These comprehensive measures enable companies to actively help protect their customers and at the same time protect their own systems from attacks.
Black Friday and the scaling of fraud attempts
Black Friday not only attracts bargain hunters, but also cyber criminals. The number of phishing attempts increases dramatically during this time. More than half of online shoppers throw themselves into the Black Friday discount battle, which offers fraudsters great potential for their schemes.
Statistics on phishing incidents on Black Friday
The figures are alarming: eight out of ten people fall victim to cybercrime. It is particularly worrying that 77 percent of internet users do not consider their data to be secure. Criminals exploit this insecurity to carry out Black Friday phishing attacks.
Increase in fraudulent activities
The rise in fraudulent activity during Black Friday is remarkable. 4 out of 10 online shoppers spontaneously grab special offers, making them vulnerable to fraud. Ransomware attacks are also increasing as criminals take advantage of the increased online activity.
Regional differences in Germany
In Germany, there are regional differences in fraud attempts. Interestingly, almost 3 in 10 Germans monitor their homes via smartphone, which shows that security awareness is on the rise. Nevertheless, the Lower Saxony State Office of Criminal Investigation is warning of a new scam involving QR codes on parking machines disguised as easypark stickers.
To protect yourself from Black Friday phishing, it is important to remain vigilant and avoid suspicious offers. Use secure payment methods and check the authenticity of online stores before making purchases.
Tips for consumers to protect themselves
In times of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, many online offers are tempting. But with the popularity of online shopping, cyber threats are also on the rise. Almost a quarter of respondents to the "Cybersecurity Monitor" 2024 were victims of Online fraud. Here are important protective measures for consumers:
Use of security software
Install up-to-date antivirus programs and firewalls. An ad blocker can provide additional protection against phishing attempts. Avast One offers comprehensive protection against viruses, malware and fraud attempts.
Regular review of account movements
Check your accounts for suspicious transactions. According to Barclays, fraud losses increased by 22% on Black Friday. Avoid saving payment details and use secure payment services such as PayPal.
Vigilance against unusual activities
Be wary of extremely deep discounts of 80% or more. A study by UFC-Que choisir shows that real Black Friday discounts are rare. Be suspicious of unexpected emails or text messages, especially about parcel deliveries. If you suspect fraud, block your accounts immediately and report it to the police.
By taking these measures, you can shop safely online and protect yourself from cyber threats. Stay vigilant and enjoy the offers with caution.
Conclusion: Safe shopping on Black Friday
Black Friday entices with tempting offers, but also brings with it increased risks for email security and phishing protection. According to reports from web.de and GMX, the number of spam and phishing emails increased by 10% during Black Week. During this period alone, email providers filtered out 1.65 billion fraudulent messages.
Summary of risks and measures
Cyber criminals use various methods to obtain sensitive data. Popular tactics include fake Amazon emails, parcel delivery phishing and tempting discount offers. To protect themselves, consumers should check email content carefully, verify sender details and never click on suspicious links.
Encouraging responsible shopping
Despite the dangers, secure online shopping is possible. Use secure passwords, activate two-factor authentication and make sure you use encrypted connections (https). Security software such as McAfee+ offers additional protection against phishing and other online threats.
Contact points for further information
If you are unsure, you can contact consumer advice centers or the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). These agencies offer valuable information on phishing protection and email security. With vigilance and the right protective measures, you can use the Black Friday offers safely.
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