Statistically, “Black Friday” – the great shopping binge which this year falls on Thursday 29 November – is a sort of pagan festival in which everyone demands a front row seat: on the one hand those who want to take advantage of the discounts, on the other those who want to take advantage of those who take advantage of discounts.
The estimate for 2024 according to Codacons tells of a turnover that revolves around 4 billion euros between online and physical purchases, even if the largest slice is that of the web, where between “Black Friday” and ” Cyber Monday” will account for 65% of expenses, approximately 6 out of 10, for a total of 2.6 billion. A figure assured by 47% of Italians (5% more than in 2023), who this year intend to make at least one purchase, but which also considering the undecided and last minute ones will easily rise to 85%.
The data is also confirmed by the analysis of PwC’s “Black Friday survey 2024”, which puts Italy in first place among the European countries most attracted to wild discount days, with a budget slightly decreasing compared to last year, between 100 and 500 euros. Electronics and hi-tech continue to stand out in the purchasing rankings, but interest is growing in footwear (42%), clothing (39%), accessories (38%), cosmetics and beauty products (32%) and toys (30%). %).
It is no coincidence that since last October the number of domains using the magic word “Black Friday” has practically tripled and also ranges from non-existent stores, increasingly refined replicas of real online outlets and fake shops in which users pay for products that are not will ever receive. This too, according to experts, is physiological: where the use of credit cards increases, scams and scams increase accordingly. These days, explains “Non Profit Consumerism”, there is a growth in scams through social networks, with hashtags and tags artfully created to attract attention to very discounted offers, and messages on WhatsApp or Facebook containing links that refer to sites that advertise special promotions, the sole purpose of which is to obtain users’ banking data. To end on a high note with the surge in “phishing”, emails aimed solely at emptying cards and bank accounts. The security company “Kaspersky” also reports a 25% increase in cyber threats, adding to the list another scam that has become very common: the sending of messages promoting online surveys with prize draws of valuable prizes, which obviously do not exist.
Another widely used scheme involves associating a card for the alleged payment of the items, allowing scammers to withdraw money little by little, until the victims’ accounts are emptied. For example, a website that simulates a well-known shopping platform induces users to purchase a gift card worth several hundred euros for little more than a coffee at a bar. The only detail is that the gift card does not exist, but the mirage of the offer is so convenient that losing just under two euros is a risk worth taking.
Multiplying those few cents by thousands of people who fall for it comes out to a robust thirteenth.
To make the most of Black Friday opportunities, experts advise never to trust links or attachments received via email: it is essential to check the sender before opening any message and check websites and e-shops before entering codes and information : Sometimes you just need to pay attention to details like the incorrect URL, spelling errors, blurry logos, or design bugs. Another fundamental point is to protect all devices used for online purchases with reliable security systems, and if you want to purchase something from an unknown company, before proceeding check the reviews and check for the presence of a padlock in the address bar . On the web it is always preferable to pay via Paypal or prepaid cards, making sure that delivery times do not exceed 30 days for online purchases and also checking the shipping date by always checking where the product is shipped from.
Last tip: check your online bank account often to verify that all transactions are linked to real purchases and also pay attention to the messages of parcels being shipped: no courier will send communications from unknown or anonymous numbers without indicating shipping numbers and order codes.
Yet, despite all the attention and precautions possible, it is very easy for you not to notice something is wrong until you check your bank or credit card statement: in case of anomalies, contact the bank immediately or the card company to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
