A sophisticated hacking operation known as ‘SilkSpecter’ is using a ring of nearly 4,700 spoofed storefronts to dupe shoppers looking for Black Friday deals. The fake online stores impersonate well-known brands such as Makita, Ikea, and the North Face.
To avoid getting scammed, experts advise double-checking the address bar for unusual top-level domains or typos. Running a suspicious URL through Get Safe Online’s Check a Website tool can also provide a general vibe check. Additionally, be wary of clicking on random webpage ads, links in social media posts, or links marked as ‘Sponsored’.
Protecting personal data is crucial. Ensure security features like multi-factor authentication are enabled for key accounts and regularly check bank accounts for unrecognized transactions. Consider setting up a virtual ‘dummy’ credit card with a set spending limit that can be quickly cancelled if it becomes compromised.
Scammers rely on the urgency presented by limited-time Black Friday deals, so taking a step back to assess the situation is essential. If something online seems too good to be true, it usually is. By being vigilant and following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to scams like SilkSpecter’s operation.
Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/silkspecter-scam-ring-spoofs-big-brands-this-black-friday