Black Friday shopping? Be aware of phishing

With Thanksgiving approaching and Black Friday deals approaching, the FBI has urged customers to be aware of online-shopping scams and phishing attacks impersonating well-known businesses in order to obtain internet credentials.

According to a public service message, the FBI anticipates an increase in complaints and losses during the 2021 Christmas season “due to reports of item shortages and the ongoing epidemic.”

Global supply chain issues have impacted everything from online fashion sales to cell phones, video game consoles, and the automotive sector. Sony lowered its PlayStation 5 manufacturing forecast earlier this month owing to component shortages, and the games system remains difficult to get in many regions of the world.

During the 2020 Festive season, the FBI received 17,000 complaints about undeliverable items, leading to losses of more than $53 million.

The FBI specifically urges customers to be wary of discounts that appear to be too good to be true in email, on websites, in social media postings, and in social media advertisements. It emphasizes the dangers of online surveys designed to steal personal information or debit and credit card information.