“Be wary of discounts that are too high and not very credible: no one will ever sell you a 1,000 euro smartphone for 100 euros“. With this warning, Assoutients raises the alarm about online scams that are intensifying ahead of Black Friday, the week of discounts at the end of November. “The Black Friday unleashes an avalanche of promotional messages within which they are hidden scams e attempts to steal users’ banking data“, explains president Gabriele Melluso. “Messages that are already being conveyed these days not only through emails or text messages, but above all through social networks such as Instagram, Telegram or Facebook, using hashtags, tags and private messages that sponsor links to sites that practice very high discounts on smartphones or designer clothing“.
Assoutenti‘s anti-fraud decalogue
To avoid falling into the trap of scammers, Assoutenti has drawn up a handbook with ten useful tips:
- Be wary of discounts that are too high and not very credible.
- Check if the advertised price also includes shipping costs or taxes.
- Check the conditions applied for any resi.
- Be careful of links sent via email, text message or on social media with suspicious promotions: oftenor they link to fake sites of famous brands.
- Never purchase through websites or web and social pages that contain obvious spelling errors.
- Only buy from sellers who report the data of the company that owns the commercial activity, VAT number, address and telephone number.
- Buy only dto secure websites that feature the padlock symbol in the address bar.
- Do not provide on the web personal data or sensitive banking information, and for payments it is better to use prepaid cards or systems such as Paypal.
- For purchases outside physical stores it is possible to exercise the right of withdrawal within 14 days.
- In case of product defects it is possible to resort to the regulations on warranty which provide for the replacement of the goods or the reimbursement of the amount paid.
“In most cases these pages are intended to steal banking credentials and credit card information of users to empty their bank accounts,” warns Melluso. “And there are even fake online shops that, after having collected money from consumers, do not send the goods and disappear into thin air. In the coming days, scam attempts using these tricks will multiply, therefore we invite consumers to be extremely careful.”
**Considering the rise in mobile shopping, what specific precautions should consumers take to ensure the security of their personal and financial information when using smartphones for Black Friday deals?**
## World Today News Interview: Navigating Black Friday Scams
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. With Black Friday just around the corner, savvy shoppers are gearing up for irresistible deals. However, this shopping frenzy also attracts opportunistic scammers. Today, we’re joined by [Guest 1 Name] , a consumer protection expert at [Guest 1 Affiliation], and [Guest 2 Name], a cybersecurity specialist at [Guest 2 Affiliation], to discuss how to navigate Black Friday safely and avoid falling victim to online scams.
**Section 1: The Allure and Danger of Deep Discounts**
**Host:** Black Friday promises incredible savings, but Assoutenti, the Italian consumer protection association, warns shoppers about unbelievable discounts. [Guest 1 Name], what are the red flags consumers should look for when encountering deals that seem too good to be true?
**Guest 1:** [Answer referencing the article’s warnings about excessively low prices for high-value items, urging caution and reminding viewers that unrealistic discounts can be a tactic to lure victims.]
**Host:** [Guest 2 Name], from a cybersecurity perspective, how can these suspiciously low prices be used to manipulate consumers, and what are the potential consequences?
**Guest 2:** [Answer discussing phishing attacks, malicious links hidden within tempting offers, and the risk of unknowingly downloading malware or revealing sensitive information.]
**Section 2: Recognizing and Avoiding Scam Tactics**
**Host:** Assoutenti has provided a helpful guide outlining ten key steps to protect consumers during Black Friday shopping. Let’s dive into some of these preventative measures. [Guest 1 Name], what are some crucial things consumers can do to verify the legitimacy of online sellers?
**Guest 1:** [Answer focusing on checking for company information like VAT numbers, physical addresses, and contact details, emphasizing the importance of researching the seller’s reputation before making a purchase.]
**Host:** [Guest 2 Name], can you elaborate on the importance of secure websites and what signs consumers should look for to determine if a site is safe for online transactions?
**Guest 2:** [Answer explaining Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, the padlock symbol in the address bar, and why it’s crucial to avoid websites without these security indications.]
**Section 3: Protecting Personal and Financial Information**
**Host:** Assoutenti stresses the importance of safeguarding personal and financial data during online shopping. [Guest 1 Name], what are some best practices for protecting sensitive information while browsing for deals?
**Guest 1:** [Answer highlighting the dangers of sharing personal details on suspicious websites, recommending the use of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and suggesting alternative payment methods like PayPal to minimize direct exposure of bank details.]
**Host:** [Guest 2 Name], what happens if a consumer suspects they’ve fallen victim to a scam? What steps should they take to mitigate the damage?
**Guest 2:** [Answer explaining the importance of reporting scams to authorities, contacting banks to freeze accounts, changing passwords, and being vigilant for identity theft attempts.]
**Conclusion:**
**Host:** Thank you to [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name] for sharing their expertise. Black Friday can be a great opportunity for savings, but it’s crucial to be aware of scams and take proactive steps to protect ourselves. By staying informed, practicing caution, and following these expert tips, we can enjoy the thrill of Black Friday shopping while safeguarding our finances and personal information.
