Be on the look out for fake online shops – Cyber Security Authority warns of shopping season scams
The CSA said it anticipates a surge in the number of shopping scams due to the increasing availability of digital shopping channels.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is asking the public to stay alert for shopping season scams, particularly regarding fake online shops and hyped adverts.
In a statement dated November 23, 2022, the CSA said it anticipates a surge in the number of shopping season scams due to the increasing availability of digital shopping channels.
The statement also noted that shopping season scams usually take the form of online fraud and phishing by fake websites and apps, where actors create online profiles to promote and sell non-existent goods at very affordable prices.
“They ask potential buyers to make upfront payments to mobile wallets with names not related to the shop or even the seller. After receiving payment, they don’t deliver the goods, and they subsequently block the buyer from communicating with them,” the statement said.
The Authority is therefore asking shoppers to do due diligence on shopping sites before purchasing items online, and also only make payments on delivery.
“Be cautious of proposals and deals including those shared by email, that seems too good to be true no matter how appealing they are. The CSA has a 24-hour CyberSecurity/CyberCrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking clarification and guidance on online links and transactions.”
