With holiday shopping in full swing, the FBI has issued a warning to shoppers about potential online scams. As people rush to snag deals, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, often using artificial intelligence to lure victims.
The FBI reported that Black Friday shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion, with another $6.4 billion spent on Thanksgiving Day alone. This surge in spending presents a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit distracted and stressed consumers.
Jordan Kelly, a cybersecurity expert, explained why this time of year is particularly appealing to criminals.
"Criminals like to exploit the holiday season because people are more distracted, they might be more stressed, and they're definitely more willing to do transactions online," said Kelly. "Criminals are swooping in and realizing that this is a great time to target people and turn them into victims."
The FBI warned that many scams are AI-generated phishing attempts designed to steal personal information. Shoppers are urged to verify the legitimacy of websites by checking for 'HTTPS' in the web address and researching unfamiliar merchants and sellers.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, texts, or social media.
- Research companies before making purchases.
- Inspect gift cards for tampering when buying.
- Use credit cards for better fraud protection.
- Be wary of limited-time offers, as urgency is
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