It’s finally here! After months of racking up your cart with all the therapy materials, prize reinforcements, and other office odds and ends, it’s time to check out. What you may not have considered is that cybercriminals have also been waiting in anticipation of Prime Day. The increased online activity and sense of urgency are exactly the sort of “human elements” that they thrive on. Check out our top tips for staying vigilant to ensure safe and secure shopping any day of the year.
Phishing and Scammers: Stay Alert
Prime Day presents an ideal opportunity for scammers to launch Amazon-related phishing attacks. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. These messages may claim to offer exclusive deals or require urgent action on your part. Remember, Amazon will never ask for sensitive information via email or phone. Be vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing any personal details without verifying the source.
Reviews: Exercise Caution
While browsing through the plethora of deals on Prime Day, exercise caution when purchasing products with few or no reviews, especially from unknown sellers. Scammers often create fake listings with enticing prices to lure unsuspecting buyers. Research the seller’s reputation, read product reviews, and assess the overall credibility before making a purchase. Genuine customer feedback and ratings are valuable indicators of a seller’s trustworthiness.
Impersonators: Verify Website Authenticity
Scammers are adept at creating counterfeit websites that closely mimic legitimate shopping platforms. To protect yourself, carefully examine website URLs and look for subtle discrepancies. Check for the lock symbol (padlock) in the address bar, indicating a secure connection. Legitimate Amazon websites will have URLs starting with “https://” and a verified security certificate. Be cautious of websites with misspellings or unusual domain extensions, as these may be indicators of impersonation attempts.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance Security
Securing your accounts is paramount to prevent unauthorized access. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection. MFA requires an additional verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, to log in successfully. Additionally, create a strong, unique password for your Amazon account, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Regularly update your password to ensure maximum security.
Shopping Events: Beware of Scams
Prime Day, along with other major shopping events, is full of cybercriminals lurking in the background. Don’t let your emotions overtake you during these exciting times, as scammers attempt to exploit the increased urgency and online activity. Stay informed about common scams and fraudulent techniques employed by cybercriminals. Remember to verify the authenticity of websites, check for secure payment options, and never provide sensitive information through unsecured channels.
Have fun shopping, but stay safe ‘out there’!
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