“More than half of the discounts, are fake.“
Every year the Christmas season is getting closer and closer and the so-called BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY discounts are already announced. That’s why we wanted to bring this TIP forward and send it to you before you are exposed to false discounts or frauds and don’t know how to recognize them.
These promotional campaigns have become a significant date for consumers not only in the U.S., but worldwide. And much more so, for cybercriminals. In these days, with Christmas approaching, the number of The number of online shopping, discount coupon communications and promotions has increased exponentially. Therefore, we access all kinds of websites, both known and unknown, which may include fake pages.
In fact, not only at the individual level we can encounter fake offers, but at the professional level we can also get to consult this type of discounts and websites through corporate devices and thus affect their security. Or, even at the IT level, falling into the trap of discounts related to software licensing (computer programs and applications, for example, fake antivirus and firewall), which hide viruses and malware.
In order to be able to detect and avoid this type of scams and frauds in time, we te recommend that:
- Check that the URL starts with “https”: Make sure that the URL begins with “https” and not “http”. If a padlock symbol appears in the top address bar of the browser and clicking on it shows you information about the company to which the web page belongs, you can be sure of its authenticity (although, depending on the browser you use, you will see it in one way or another).
- Check the Legal Notice of the website: It must contain, among others, the name or corporate name of the company; its residence or domicile or, failing that, the address of one of its permanent establishments; its e-mail address and any other data that allows establishing a direct and effective communication.
- Check the Privacy Policy of the website: In this section, the company should provide information about how it will treat your personal data.
- Find out about the General Terms and Conditions: In them you will find information related to payments, shipping, returns, etc. If you are going to make an online purchase, the company must provide you with this information.
- Check the opinions of other users: Look for reviews from users who have purchased from that site to find out what their experience has been.
- Beware of fraudulent emails: it’s a good time for cybercriminals to do phishing attacks.. Do not open suspicious emails and, of course, do not access links or files that could infect your devices.
- Use common sense: Remember that common sense is the most important thing in these cases. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Separate as much as possible the private from the professional: It is preferable that you consult and make personal purchases on personal computers or mobiles. Otherwise, in the event of a cyber-attack, you could compromise the systems of your company or organization.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Once again, if you have the slightest suspicion of having suffered a cyberattack, inform your IT department so that they can advise you appropriately. And on a personal level, consult the information available on the Internet, ask experts or contact the support teams of the programs and applications.
*Shipment date: November 17, 2025