A recent survey by Norton reported a 53% increase in online scams coinciding with the start of the holiday shopping season. Experts are urging consumers to remain vigilant.
These scams often involve phishing tactics, such as fake websites that seem too good to be true and numerous delivery notifications sent via email or text message.
There was also a rise in malvertising, where malicious advertisements are injected into legitimate websites, posing additional risks to unsuspecting shoppers.
The survey also revealed that 25% of New Zealand adults had previously fallen victim to scams during past holiday seasons.
83% experienced financial losses, averaging $1,356; however, in some extreme cases, reported losses reached up to $50,000. The survey also found that while 71% were concerned about personal details being compromised, two in five people were happy to give their phone number and email for a discount of 25% or less.
“They’re looking even further online for better deals and better prices and, potentially, overlook the red flags and engage with those suspicious deals,” Norton senior systems engineer Dean Williams said.
“All of these pressures, the scammers know this, and they know that this is the time of year to rejuvenate their scams.”
Williams advises consumers to steer clear of unfamiliar websites, particularly new e-commerce sites that offer products that seem too good to be true. He cautions against engaging with any one-on-one communications, such as emails containing embedded links, and recommends avoiding unverified links altogether.
Customers are also encouraged to use secure payment methods during online shopping, such as Paypal, which can act as a buffer between the customer and the seller. The use of unique passwords for every e-commerce account and the practice of not saving any payment information on websites are also critical steps in enhancing online security.