Don’t let Black Friday and Cyber Monday online shopping scams make you blue

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday nearing, consumers are warned to be vigilant with their online shopping habits. Photo by FileArticle contentAn expert in online security says consumers need to be vigilant to avoid online scams as they head into Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentLarry Zelvin, head of the financial crimes unit at BMO Financial Group, said shoppers are at risk due to the growing level of threats, many powered by artificial intelligence.Article contentArticle contentBlack Friday falls on Nov. 28, but many companies are already offering sales.Article contentArticle content“AI has made scams more convincing and harder to detect,” said Zelvin in a news release. “Fraudsters can now mimic trusted brands and voices with alarming accuracy. Consumers need to be more skeptical than ever.”Article contentWhile consumers should always be aware of potential online scams, the rush to get the best deals during this high-traffic shopping period makes people vulnerable to fraudulent activity.Article contentIn Canada, more than two million consumers have been scammed during past Black Friday or Cyber Monday events. During U.S. Thanksgiving-Cyber Monday in 2024, 2.6 per cent of online transactions were flagged as fraudulent, a 51 per cent increase year over year in Canada.Article contentHere are a few ways to avoid being the victim of a scam while shopping online.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentBlack Friday and Cyber Monday are busy online shopping days. Should I be concerned year round?Article contentScammers are active throughout the year, but their efforts intensify around major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During these times, the surge in online purchases, urgency to grab limited-time deals and increased consumer distraction create conditions that scammers can take advantage of more easily.Consumers need to stay vigilant throughout the year. Use secure payment methods, verify websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links or offers that seem “too good to be true.”Article contentIs there a specific demographic that scammers target?Article contentScams can affect anyone. Scammers target all age groups and demographics. However, certain populations can be more vulnerable:Seniors are often targeted due to a perceived lack of familiarity with technology or online security practices.Young adults can be particularly susceptible to social media scams, online shopping fraud and phishing attempts.It’s important to remember that scammers exploit trust, urgency and lack of awareness. Education and vigilance are key for all age groups.