A significant weekend of shopping is approaching, as Black Friday 2025 is set to start tomorrow, November 28. This annual event is renowned for offering substantial discounts on various items like tech gadgets, fashion pieces, and home appliances, presenting a great opportunity for consumers to grab a deal and save money. However, it’s crucial to be cautious as it is also a peak period for fraudulent activities.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the excitement surrounding Black Friday by employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. To combat the increasing online attacks, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert, and now Amazon has also issued its own important warning.
In an email communicated to users, as reported by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the importance of staying vigilant during the busy shopping season. The email stated, “Stay informed with these tips to help identify impersonation scams—instances where scammers pose as trusted companies to obtain sensitive information such as personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.”
To avoid falling victim to scams, Amazon advises consumers to remain cautious during Black Friday, as cybercriminals often use tactics such as sending fake delivery notifications, prompting users to update their shopping accounts, or creating a sense of urgency to address non-existent issues.
According to Amazon, prevalent scams in November include deceptive messages regarding delivery or account issues, misleading social media posts advertising unrealistic deals, and solicitation of passwords or payment details through unofficial means. Additionally, customers should be wary of unfamiliar links that direct them to fraudulent websites seeking account verification.
Amazon cautioned that they never solicit customers to verify their account details via email. To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has shared five essential rules for consumers to follow:
• Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping activities, including customer service inquiries, account modifications, order tracking, and refunds.
• Be aware that Amazon will never request payment information or payments over the phone.
• Enable 2-step verification for added account security at amazon.co.uk/2SV.
• Enhance security by setting up a passkey for signing in securely at amazon.co.uk/passkey.
• Exercise caution when faced with urgent requests from potential scammers, and avoid acting hastily.
For those seeking Black Friday discounts, it is crucial to remain vigilant and exclusively shop through official websites like Amazon.co.uk. Furthermore, consumers should be cautious of unexpected text or email messages and refrain from clicking on any suspicious links promising discounts.