Black Friday, a period in the shopping season where retailers offer significant discounts and promotions to buyers, has turned into “prime time” for scammers.
The Cyber Security Authority of Ghana issued a public notice via X cautioning citizens about the surge in online shopping scams due to the increased online shopping activity. According to the authority, there were 210 recorded cases of online shopping scams from January to October 2024 leading to a loss of over Ghc 410,000.
Online shopping scams pose a global threat, not just in Ghana. According to the Guardian, more than 16,000 reports of online shopping fraud were recorded between November 2023 and January 2024, with each victim losing £695 on average.
How do online fraudsters scam?
Below are the common ways online fraudsters employ to scam victims:
- They impersonate legitimate brands: Scammers impersonate well-known brands on search engines like Google and use optimization tactics to place their contact information at the top of search results. Victims, thinking they are dealing with legitimate businesses, make advance payments for products or services that never arrive. After receiving payments, the scammers block the victims.
- They create fake online shops: Scammers use fake profiles on social media to sell non-existent goods and services at tempting prices. Victims make advance payments to mobile money wallets that don’t match any legitimate shop names. After payment, scammers block the victims, leaving them without the products they paid for.
- Use phishing tactics (Social engineering): Scammers deceive online shoppers into revealing sensitive information like credit card details or passwords by sending emails, WhatsApp messages, or SMS that contain links to fake shopping sites that appear legitimate.
Also read: 6 Social Engineering Tactics You Should Know
How to avoid being scammed
- Validate shop contact details by checking official websites or reliable sources instead of just using search engines. Look at user reviews to gauge the reputation of the contact as well.
- Shop only at reputable, well-known online stores, and be cautious with unfamiliar sites.
- Beware of calls, emails, or messages offering deals that sound too good to be true.
- Be careful of the links you click especially the ones delivered via email.
- Insist on payment after delivery.
In an unfortunate event where you get to be scammed, kindly reach out to CSA’s 24-hour Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Point of Contact (PoC) for assistance. Call or text 292, reach out via WhatsApp at 0501603111, or email report@csa.gov.gh.
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