A significant weekend of shopping is approaching, as Black Friday 2025 is set to launch tomorrow, on November 28. This annual event is widely recognized for offering substantial discounts on various categories such as technology, fashion, home appliances, and more. It presents a great opportunity to secure significant savings. However, it is crucial to be cautious as this period also sees a surge in fraudulent activities.
Cybercriminals are notorious for taking advantage of the frenzy surrounding Black Friday, employing various deceptive tactics to target unsuspecting shoppers. To combat the rising trend of online attacks, UK network O2 recently issued a cautionary alert, and now Amazon has followed suit with its own important notification.
In an email communication viewed by Mirror Online, Amazon emphasized the need for vigilance during the busy shopping season. The company warned against impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as trusted entities to extract sensitive information like personal details, financial data, or Amazon account credentials.
Amazon advises consumers to remain wary of cybercriminal tactics during Black Friday, which include sending fake delivery notifications, prompting account updates, or creating artificial urgency to address non-existent issues. Falling victim to these scams could result in the inadvertent disclosure of highly confidential information, enabling scammers to perpetrate financial theft or unauthorized access to accounts.
Among the prevalent scams in November, Amazon highlights misleading messages related to deliveries or account issues, deceptive social media posts endorsing unrealistic deals, and requests for passwords or payment details through unofficial channels. Another common ploy involves sending suspicious links that urge customers to verify their account details on fraudulent or phishing websites.
The company stresses that it never solicits customers via email to verify their account credentials. To navigate the upcoming shopping days safely, Amazon has shared five essential guidelines for shoppers to follow:
– Utilize the Amazon mobile app or website for all shopping activities, customer service inquiries, account modifications, order tracking, and refund status checks.
– Be aware that Amazon will never request payment information or payments (including gift cards or wire transfers) over the phone for products or services.
– Consider activating 2-step verification where possible for enhanced account security. The setup process can be completed at amazon.co.uk/2SV.
– Enhance security and convenience by using a passkey for login authentication instead of passwords, utilizing familiar methods like facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or PIN codes. Establish a passkey at amazon.co.uk/passkey.
– Exercise caution when encountering urgent demands from unknown sources, as scammers may attempt to pressure individuals into immediate actions.
For those seeking Black Friday discounts, it is essential to remain vigilant and exclusively shop through official platforms like Amazon.co.uk. Additionally, beware of unsolicited text or email messages that unexpectedly appear and avoid clicking on any links promising deals.