Sat Nov 30 02:27:54 UTC 2024: ## Online Shopping Scams Surge Ahead of Black Friday: FBI Issues Warning
**Washington D.C.** – With Black Friday upon us, the FBI is urging online shoppers to be on high alert for a surge in holiday-themed scams. A recent *Forbes* report indicates an 89% increase in fraudulent websites compared to last year, while nearly 80% of shopping-related emails are identified as scams. This surge is impacting even legitimate search results, with malicious websites appearing in top Google search rankings.
The FBI’s warning highlights the increased risk for users of popular web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge, which account for 95% of the US market. Common scams include non-delivery of goods, non-payment after shipment, auction fraud (misrepresented products), and gift card scams (where payment via prepaid cards is requested).
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), non-payment and non-delivery scams alone cost consumers over $309 million in 2023, with credit card fraud adding another $173 million in losses. The IC3 notes a significant spike in complaints early each year, directly linking this to the previous holiday shopping season.
The FBI advises consumers to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and to carefully verify the legitimacy of websites and sellers before making any purchases. Remember, scammers not only steal money but also valuable personal information, ruining the holiday spirit. Consumers are encouraged to report any suspected scams to the IC3.
First Piper 