McAfee has released its newest research findings, revealing brands impersonated most often this season and ways to avoid Holiday Shopping Scams. Scammers are copying trusted retailers. They create lookalike online storefronts. They also send fake email alerts. Misleading social ads are common, for example. This is all designed to trick shoppers. The goal is to steal money during the busiest buying season. Shoppers must learn to avoid these Holiday Shopping Scams. AI technology makes copying trusted brands much easier now. These speed and accuracy are difficult to spot.
How to Identify Fake Retailers Online
Specifically, tech brands top the cybercriminal list. Scammers frequently impersonate major technology names. This includes Apple, Nintendo, Samsung, and Disney. Apple is the most impersonated brand overall. Criminals often make convincing fake Apple websites. Luxury brands are also a prime target. Counterfeit sites for handbags have surged 45%. This surge targets brands like Coach and Rolex. Scam URLs have already climbed about 10%. This increase happened before the Black Friday rush. Therefore, shoppers must verify what they see online.
The best defense is to slow down before clicking. If you see a deal, go directly to the official retailer’s website. Avoid clicking links in texts or emails. Shoppers must stick to only trusted retailers. Use AI-powered scam protection tools. These tools can flag suspicious links right away. Furthermore, watch for classic red flags. These include pressure to act fast. Demands for payment through gift cards are also suspicious. In conclusion, confidence can mislead consumers. Stay safe and avoid Holiday Shopping Scams this year. This approach protects your money and personal data.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
