Black Friday: Cyber Security Authority warns against fake online shops

The Cyber Security Authority(CSA) has cautioned the public against an increase in online shopping scams ahead of Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season. 

According to a statement dated November 23, 2022, by CSA, it anticipates a surge in shopping scams such as fake online shops and malware attacks.

CSA warned that “malicious actors create online profiles to promote and sell non-existent goods at very affordable prices.”

CSA said the scammers ask potential buyers to make upfront payments to mobile money wallets with names not related to the seller.

These “malicious actors” do not deliver the product and block the potential buyer from further getting in touch with them.

The CSA also warned that these actors employ phishing to deceive their victims to disclose personal information such as credit card numbers and account passwords.

They do this by getting them to click on malicious links cloaked if official-looking emails, attachments and logos impersonating other websites.

CSA, therefore advised the public to “be on the lookout for fake online shops and hyped adverts, especially on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.”

“As much as possible only shop from reputable and well-known online stores and stay away from websites you have never heard about,” the statement from CSA said.

The Authority also entreated potential online buyers to do payments on delivery rather than making payments with the assurance that the goods purchased will be delivered.

“Be cautious of proposals and deals including those shared by email that seem too good to be true no matter how appealing they appear.”