In the coming Black Friday deals, the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI has cautioned web users in regard to the rise in rip-off incidents involving Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users. These browsers which are widely used in the world are already a kind of nest of the malicious intents that seek to take advantage of the holiday shopping craze.
The Threat Landscape
Since people look forward to being duped during Black Friday, online scams are expected to shoot up as a result of bargain hunting. This year it seems the hackers are smarter starting with browser extensions, phishing, and spam ads that will affect users.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has highlighted several prevalent threats, including:
- Fake E-Commerce Websites: Phony web stores imitating actual retail outlets are created to attract customers with fake promotions that seem too good to be true.
- Malicious Browser Extensions: Scareware that poses as tools to enable clients to shop and steal details belonging to the clients.
- Phishing Links in Ads and Emails: Social engineering and phishing of URLs that lead the user to fake sites instead of actual retail outlets.
- Tech Support Scams: Sites that tell you your browser is malicious and demand that you contact fake support for help.
How Scammers Exploit Chrome and Edge
Chrome and Edge provide support for hundreds of extensions to improve the users’ activities; however, the presence of such options gives scammers a chance. Once a fraudulent extension is installed, it can:
- Track users’ browsing habits.
- Purse or wallet and gain unauthorized access to Credit card information and password.
- Lure the users to other fake payment sites.
Also, through advertisements and pop-ups, scammers employ social engineering techniques to make people install these dangerous add-ons or reveal their personal information.
FBI’s Safety Recommendations
To safeguard against scams, the FBI advises shoppers to follow these best practices:
- Verify Websites: Verify that the URL is right and search for S (secure) before the HTTP.
- Install Extensions Carefully: Always get your extensions from reliable sources and always read other users’ reviews.
- Avoid Clicking on Pop-Ups: A lot of Web sites contain pop-ups stating that your browser or computer is infected and requires scanning.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add some security to your online accounts by using the second factor of authentication.
- Monitor Financial Transactions: Always read bank and credit card statements and report any charges that you didn’t make.
What to Do if You Fall Victim
The FBI wants you to report the fraud through its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact your bank to challenge suspicious transactions as soon as possible.
Be Alert This Shopping Season
As the Black Friday sales go online, the risk being posed by cybercriminals is ever higher owing to record online sales likely to take place. Consumers need to be very careful and conscious of cybersecurity measures to prevent them from falling prey to these cons. It is safe to shop and succeed if you read this article and follow the FBI’s recommendations.
