Scammers are getting smarter at each campaign that they are launching. This time, they drain victims' money by luring them to click fake websites that impersonate legitimate clothing brand pages. However, there are effective measures you can take to safeguard yourself from falling victim to these scams. Let's explore some crucial tips to protect yourself while shopping online.
Imposter Websites of Apparel Brands is a Growing Concern
Authorities discovered that fraudsters are thriving via fake websites and sucking out the victim's money after stealing their banking information.
Recent research has revealed that scammers have become adept at creating counterfeit websites that closely resemble legitimate brand sites, with the likes of Puma, Nike, Guess, Adidas, and more on the list. In their elaborate campaign, they have registered thousands of domains and established numerous sites to dupe unsuspecting shoppers.
The threat actors aim to fool the buyers that what they set up is a legitimate website with a known apparel trademark.
To make it even more believable, scammers even match the website's URL to its branding. They will usually add the name of a country followed by dot (.) com for the domain.
Once a customer unknowingly visits the website and starts to add a product to the cart, the fraudulent campaign kicks in. Upon purchasing footwear or pants, the victim will receive a knockoff version of the item.
The alarming part about this scheme is that the scammers know your whereabouts and even your bank pin code, email address, and other confidential data. They can potentially use your information in their future fraud campaigns and deceive more victims with identity theft.
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Essential Tips to Safeguard Yourself
It's important always to keep your guard up when you have a hunch that an apparel website is too good to be true. Fox News listed some safety tips that will protect you from this unsuspected privacy invasion.
- Don't get fooled with HUGE discounts: If you're looking for high-quality brands online, be mindful of the offers. If you think something is wrong with their prices, research their pricing from the other websites.
- Check the URL: The website's link can indicate if it's legitimate or not. Scammers in this particular campaign often create URLs that combine the brand name with a city or country. The mere difference to look for is a simple "https:// instead of "https://. This slight iteration could mean that they can hack your bank account in many ways.
- Exercise caution with sponsored Google links: Avoid clicking on links that appear under the "Sponsored" section in Google search results. Scammers employ tactics to manipulate search engine algorithms, positioning their fake websites at the top of search results to increase the likelihood of unsuspecting users clicking on them. Exercise caution and carefully evaluate search results before clicking on any links.
- Use reliable antivirus software: Make sure that your anti-malware software is updated since this is your key to protect yourself from online scammers. It can immediately block suspicious links that might contain trojan, spyware, and other forms of malware.
By following these essential tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scammers impersonating apparel brands online. Stay vigilant, be proactive, and prioritize your online security. Your diligence will go a long way in protecting yourself and ensuring a safe and enjoyable online shopping experience.
Read Also: Google Gives Gmail Users Helpful Tips to Avoid 'Bank-Raiding' Scams
