How to avoid online scams this Black Friday

TL;DR: The best way to protect yourself against online scams is with a powerful password manager like NordPass.

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Credit: NordPass

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Online scams have become more common in recent years, especially around major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With more people online looking for discounts and special deals, there are more opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of shoppers.

If you're looking to protect yourself against online threats this Black Friday, we have all the information you need.

Most common online scams

Education about online scams is one of the most effective methods to fight back against these threats, and that starts with learning about the most common online scam techniques used by hackers:

• Fraudulent websites — These fake sites are designed mainly to steal victims' personal or financial information.

• Phishing scams — These scams usually involve sending a fake message or email that tricks the recipient into providing personal information.

• Downloading fake apps — Hackers trick victims into downloading a fake app with malware to steal their credit card information.

• Fake antivirus pop-ups — Victims who press and download the suggested antivirus software can end up being infected with malware on their devices.

Being aware that these common scams exist is a good place to start.

Tips for secure online shopping 

Opting to pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay, or with a credit card is always a good idea. You should also avoid suspicious links or downloads, avoid too-good-to-be-true offers or free gift card offers, and use a good-quality VPN to add an extra layer of security to everything you do online.

You should also upgrade your phone or PC software regularly, and that includes your password manager.

What is the best password manager for online scams?

NordPass improves your overall security by scanning the web for data leaks. You can discover if any of your sensitive data (emails, credit cards, or other private information) has been breached and also improve the security of any compromised accounts. 

A two-year subscription to a NordPass Family Premium Plan is on sale for £53.73, saving you 54% on list price. This plan lets you connect up to six accounts, and comes with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Protect yourself against online scams with NordPass.