When does Black Friday start? Tips to shop safely

Common online threats during high consumption periods

As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, online threats tend to multiply. Here are some of the most prevalent dangers brands and consumers should be aware of:

1. Fake Ads on Social Media and Google: With discounts at the forefront of every shopper's mind, it's no surprise that fraudulent ads crop up more frequently. These deceptive advertisements may promote counterfeit products or link to malicious websites designed to steal personal information. 

For example, a shopper might encounter an ad for a luxury handbag at an unbelievably low price, only to discover upon purchase that the item is counterfeit—or worse, that their credit card information has been compromised.

2. Phishing Scams: Scammers often capitalize on the shopping rush by sending out phishing emails that mimic popular retailers. These emails may contain links to fake websites that appear legitimate but are designed to capture personal data. 

A well-crafted email promising exclusive Black Friday deals could lead consumers down a rabbit hole of identity theft.

3. Fake Online Stores: In the race to find the best deal, consumers might stumble upon fraudulent websites that look genuine but are set up to collect money for non-existent products. 

A classic example includes a website that offers steep discounts on electronics, only to deliver nothing after payment is made.

What Brands should do to shield themselves

Brands must proactively safeguard their reputation and customer trust. Here are a few strategies they can adopt:

• Monitor and remove fake ads: Regularly tracking online ads can help identify and eliminate fraudulent promotions before they reach consumers. A comprehensive monitoring strategy should include social media platforms and search engines.
• Educate customers: Brands should inform their customers about potential scams and encourage them to verify the legitimacy of promotions. Providing clear communication through emails and social media can help raise awareness.
• Implement advanced Protection Solutions: Utilizing an AI-driven platform can provide 360-degree protection against various online threats. From anti-counterfeiting measures to fake website detection and removal, such solutions enable brands to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

The importance of an AI Platform for full protection

In the digital age, brands need more than traditional protection methods. An AI-powered platform can offer a comprehensive approach to brand security:

• Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions: By leveraging advanced algorithms, brands can monitor and eliminate counterfeit products from online marketplaces, ensuring their customers receive genuine items.
• Fake Website and Domain Detection: An effective protection platform can identify and shut down fake websites and domains before they can deceive customers, safeguarding brand reputation and consumer trust.
• Fake Ads Monitoring and Removal: Continuous monitoring of online ads enables brands to swiftly remove harmful promotions, preventing potential losses in sales and reputation.

What should consumers be careful with?

For consumers, being savvy during Black Friday is crucial. Here are some tips to navigate the online shopping landscape safely:

• Is the deal too good to be true?: If a deal seems excessively discounted, it’s essential to conduct thorough research. Check the retailer’s legitimacy and look for reviews from other customers before making a purchase.
• Verify website security: Always ensure that the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar before entering any personal information.
• Watch out for phishing attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that claim to offer special deals. Always navigate to the retailer's website directly rather than clicking on links.

Proactive protection

As Black Friday approaches, the allure of discounts may overshadow the lurking online threats. Brands and consumers alike share the responsibility of creating a safe shopping environment. By adopting proactive protection measures and staying informed, brands can shield themselves and their customers from the dangers that come with increased online activity.

At Smart Protection, we offer cutting-edge AI solutions that provide comprehensive protection for your brand, ensuring that this holiday season is not only profitable but secure. 

Don’t let fraudsters spoil the joy of shopping—partner with us to keep your brand and customers safe.