Get ready for a busy shopping weekend as Black Friday 2025 starts tomorrow, on November 28. This annual event is popular for offering significant discounts on a wide range of products including tech gadgets, fashion items, and home appliances. It’s a great time to grab some amazing deals and save money, but it’s also a period where scams are prevalent.
Black Friday is a prime target for cybercriminals who use various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. To combat this, UK network O2 and now Amazon have issued warnings about the increase in online attacks.
In an email sent to users, Amazon highlighted the importance of being vigilant during the shopping rush. The email emphasized the need to recognize impersonation scams, where scammers pose as trusted companies to gain access to sensitive information like personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon advises consumers to be cautious during Black Friday, as cybercriminals often employ tactics such as sending fake delivery notifications, requesting account updates, or creating false urgency to resolve non-existent issues. Falling for these scams can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information, paving the way for financial theft or unauthorized account access.
Among the common scams reported by Amazon in November are misleading messages concerning deliveries or account issues, deceptive social media posts promoting unrealistic deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial channels. Another ploy involves sending suspicious links to prompt users to verify their account information on fake websites.
Amazon stressed that they never ask customers to verify their account credentials via email. To help shoppers navigate the Black Friday frenzy safely, Amazon has shared 5 key rules:
- Use the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping needs, account changes, and customer service.
- Avoid providing payment information over the phone as Amazon does not request payments via phone calls.
- Consider enabling 2-step verification for added security on online accounts.
- Enhance security by setting up a passkey for signing in.
- Stay cautious of urgent requests from scammers and avoid acting hastily.
For those seeking Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to stay alert and shop only on official websites like Amazon.co.uk. Be wary of unsolicited text or email messages and refrain from clicking on suspicious links promising great deals.
