By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
A 36-year-old doctor from Mumbai eagerly added a sleek new smartphone to her Black Friday cart. The online store promised a massive discount—one that seemed too good to miss.
Days turned into weeks, but the phone never arrived. Instead, her credit card statement revealed unauthorized transactions totalling ₹50,000. Her holiday cheer evaporated, replaced by the grim reality of falling prey to a sophisticated online scam.
This story isn’t an anomaly. Across the globe, Black Friday, a day synonymous with deals and discounts, is fast earning a darker moniker: Black Fraud Day.
The Lure of Black Friday Deals
For retailers, Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season, a time to push massive sales and launch new products. In India, this global trend has found eager adopters, with discounts on everything from electronics to apparel.
But as buyers scramble for bargains, scammers are sharpening their tools. From fake e-commerce sites to phishing emails mimicking legitimate brands, cybercriminals are finding ingenious ways to exploit the holiday rush.
Scams Tailored for the Season
1. AI-Driven Phishing Emails
Cybercriminals deploy artificial intelligence to craft phishing emails so convincing that even the savviest shoppers can fall for them. These emails mimic trusted brands and redirect users to fake payment portals, stealing both money and personal data.
Example: A Kolkata-based tech enthusiast paid for a “limited edition” gaming laptop advertised on social media. The website looked authentic, complete with reviews and support chat. However, the site vanished the moment his payment went through.
2. Fake Social Media Ads
Social media platforms are rife with counterfeit product listings. Scammers target deal hunters with too-good-to-be-true offers on high-end items like smartphones, designer clothes, and gadgets.
3. Deepfake Customer Support
A recent McAfee report highlights the rise of AI-driven scams, including deepfakes. In one instance, a shopper seeking a refund for a Black Friday purchase was duped by a fake customer service representative created using AI. The “agent” directed them to share banking details, resulting in a drained account.
The study, conducted online in November 2024, focused on the role of deepfakes, scam messages, and fraudulent tactics in holiday shopping. It surveyed 7,128 adults across seven countries, including the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. The results highlight a concerning trend: holiday scams are evolving, becoming harder to detect, and threatening the security of shoppers worldwide.
The Human Cost of a Bargain
Black Friday fraud isn’t just about lost money; it erodes trust. A Bengaluru couple fell victim to a parcel scam. A fake courier service claimed their package contained illegal items and demanded ₹25,000 to “resolve” the matter. The incident left them shaken and distrustful of online shopping.
A recent study by Barclays reveals that 72% of Black Friday scams originate on social media. The average loss exceeds ₹70,000, and reports of scams have risen year after year.
How to Stay Safe
CERT-In’s Advisory
India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) warns shoppers to stay vigilant against common scams:
Phishing Scams: Verify links before clicking. Always use official brand websites or apps.
Fake Ads: Research sellers before buying. Check for genuine customer reviews.
Deepfake Tactics: Be cautious when interacting with “customer support.” Avoid sharing sensitive data.
Payment Security: Use secure payment options and avoid paying directly via bank transfers.
Expert Tips:
Kirsty Adams from Barclays advises:
Always verify the website’s authenticity.
Never rush into purchases due to “limited-time offers.”
Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
A Broader Concern
Black Friday scams reflect a growing trend in cybercrime. In 2023, the UK lost over £11.5m during the festive shopping period, with figures steadily rising. Cybersecurity chiefs like Richard Horne warn that AI has made scams more sophisticated, urging consumers to remain alert.
Black Friday remains a celebration of consumerism, but it’s also a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals.
The allure of discounts can quickly turn into despair if shoppers don’t exercise caution.
