Given the expected increase in purchases ahead of Black Friday, experts from the National Police have drawn up a ten-point guide to avoid potential fraud that may occur during these days. Cybersecurity specialists recommend using virtual cards or credit wallets as preferable options for fraud protection, as well as not making quick, impulsive decisions in response to messages like "last chance" or "48-hour discount."
We must not forget that cybercriminals have varied their modus operandi and carry out phishing and smishing campaigns, instructing victims to call phone numbers that they themselves provide
Follow these ten tips for safe shopping:
1.- Be wary of offers that are "too good to be true".
If you see a very expensive product discounted to a bargain price, suspect a possible scam designed to steal your data or your money. Compare prices on several sites: a huge difference from the average is usually a red flag.
2.- Prioritize official websites of brands or trusted stores.
Check the URL in the browser, it should start with “https://” and exactly match the store’s legitimate domain.
3.- Look for warning signs on the page.
A fraudulent website is often betrayed by its details: sloppy design, poor quality images, poorly translated texts, or obvious spelling mistakes.
4.- Use secure payment methods.
Prepaid or virtual cards are highly recommended for online purchases, as topping them up with the exact amount limits your losses in case of fraud. It is also preferable to pay by credit card rather than by direct bank transfer.
5.- Do not click on suspicious links.
Be very careful with unsolicited messages you receive by email, SMS, or social media with links to exclusive offers or promotions. If you are interested in a specific offer, access the official website manually by typing the address on your computer or through the official app.
6.- Do not share your confidential data through insecure channels.
Be wary of any message or call asking for sensitive data: passwords, card numbers, PINs, or verification codes.
7.- Beware of **spoofing calls or messages**Cybercriminals not only create fake websites, they can also call you or send you WhatsApp messages pretending to be an entity or someone you trust.
8.- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when shopping.
If you need to connect at a public place, consider a VPN that encrypts your connection. In any case, do not enter passwords or card numbers when you are on an unencrypted public Wi-Fi.
9.- Keep your devices and accounts protected.
Update your mobile and computer operating systems, and use reliable antivirus software.
10.- Act fast if something goes wrong.
If you suffer a scam or notice strange movements in your account, don't wait. Contact your bank, block your cards or the transfer, and report the incident to the police.
National Police Podcast to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Cyberfraud
To mark Black Friday, specifically this Tuesday, the National Police have launched an innovative campaign to prevent citizens from falling victim to cyber fraud. It's a podcast program on the Spotify platform where agents from the Central Unit for Cybercrime themselves explain the main types of cyber scams in one-minute micro-podcasts. This is a collection of episodes that will be released every Friday and, using accessible and simple language, will provide citizens with the most important tips to avoid becoming victims of certain types of scams.
To avoid the most common scams during the Black Friday commercial campaign, the program has premiered with its first two episodes, which address techniques known as digital skimming and phishing.