Big sales, even bigger scams: stay cyber safe this Black Friday!
Black Friday means big sales, and bigger risks! While online shopping is convenient, scammers also use this time to prop up fake stores, credential-stealing websites, offers that are too good to be true, and fake parcel delivery notifications.
Before you start browsing, here’s a quick guide on how to keep the University and yourself safe:
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Avoid using your university Username and Password for retail accounts, as retail breaches are common and re-using credentials puts the university at risk.
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Be cautious of unfamiliar retailers, fake stores often run aggressive ads with unrealistic prices and limited deals.
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Check the basics before you buy, verify the URL, look for “https”, read genuine reviews, and do some homework to ensure retailer is genuine.
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Choose safer payment methods, Be cautious of the payment methods like direct bank transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency etc
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Use a secure connection, avoid making purchases over untrusted or unknown Wi-Fi networks, especially when entering payment details.
If something goes wrong or you suspect anything that may affect the University, contact the IT Service Dest Immediately. In cases of scam, contact your bank immediately and report the incident via ReportCyber or ScamWatch so others don’t fall victim.
Black Friday is the perfect time to find a bargain but slowing down and staying vigilant can protect your money, data, and peace of mind. Stay secure, and shop safely!