Stay Safe This Black Friday 2024 with iProVPN Against Scams!
It’s a big shopping event in terms of enticing discounts and promotions and Black Friday is a favorite day for many. It’s also a peak time for online scams, however. As tempting as it is to click on that $59.99 Tempur-Pedic mattress deal sent through email on Black Friday, hackers and scammers know Black Friday is the perfect time to try and get your money. This year, check out the types of scams that are out there and how iProVPN can keep you safe from them. Black Friday deals don’t have to be a trash storm of security threats — with iProVPN’s security features and some savvy shopping practices, you can surf to Black Friday without exposing your data or finances.
The Rise of Black Friday Scams
Over the last few years, holiday shopper scams have intensified. Scammers launch extensive campaigns during Black Friday, aiming to exploit shoppers’ enthusiasm, hoping they’ll overlook security red flags while checking out deals on EarthWeb or popular items like inen duvet covers. Black Friday scams cost consumers millions every year, whether through clicks on fake ads or entering personal information on fraudulent websites, according to a report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Types of Black Friday Scams to Avoid
Evaluating the most questionable Black Friday scams and how to spot them:
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Fake Online Retailers
Scammers set up sites that look like popular retail brands in order to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. These sites can look legit, with the familiar logos and product selections, but they’re all fakes. Unrealistically low prices lure shoppers, they key in their payment details and never get their goods. Double check a site’s legitimacy if you do not recognize a site or a deal is an absolute steal.
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Phishing Emails and Messages
Scammers use this technique to email or text us, saying that it is from a major retailer. Messages frequently tell you about ‘urgent’ account problems or deals you need to take care of quick. The emails include links that will open popups that are faked login pages, where your credentials or payment information can be stolen. Look out for bad grammar, misspelled domain names or generic greetings such as, “Dear Customer.”
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Social Media Ads and “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Social media ads are being used by scammers, who post fake deals that they say are legitimate but often posted as brands that are very popular. These ads can make people click to fake websites or pages that request personal information. In order to prevent these scams, just click on ads from accounts that are verified or go only to the brand’s official website and then check Black Friday deals.
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Fraudulent Gift Card Giveaways
There also are other scammers who really give them away, but only because they pretend to acquire them by acquiring a card number from an individual who did, in fact, use the card to purchase something. You might come across social media posts or emails about ‘free gift cards’ from well-known brands. The catch? For the card, you will have to put in your personal or payment information to claim it. Be always alert to giveaways that demand super personal information or direct payment.
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Fake Customer Service Calls
The scam starts with someone claiming they’re a customer service team member with a retailer who’s having an issue with your order. In the scammer’s case, the details required are sensitive information, like payment details, so the ‘issue’ can be ‘resolved.’ A real customer service rep will never ask his you to give sensitive information over the phone for purchases, or to give you login credentials.
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Clickbait Ads and Malicious Links
In some cases, it can be live clickbait ads highlighting headlines such as “50% off everything!” or “Biggest Sale Ever!” These links point to bogus pages that will steal your log in or install malware on your device. If the deal seems too flashy or sensational, don’t click and go to the official site directly.
How iProVPN Keeps You Safe from Black Friday Scams
Security features in iProVPN ensure it remains safe from scams and your data is protected. Here are some ways to ward off the most common scams you can run into when buying goods on the Web with iProVPN’s tools:
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Secure Data Encryption
All of the data you send on iProVPN is secured with military grade encryption, thus making it only readable by you and nobody else. This level of protect your payment details, login credentials and the browsing history from scammers that commonly use the data to steal on public Wi-Fi or unsecured network to intercept data on Black Friday.
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IP Masking for Privacy
iProVPN acts as a shield to hide you from scammers’ eyes by keeping your IP address secret so that they cannot track your location or pursue your online behavior. Concealing your IP is also less likely to land you in the precarious prying clutches of phishing schemes that depend on location data.
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Ad Blocker and Malware Protection
Examples include re-surfacing even on legitimate websites, such as iProVPN, making it very easy to stumble into the trap of a scam. iProVPN’s ad blocker stops these malicious ads in their tracks to reduce that risk of clicking on fraudulent links or being rerouted to a phishing site. In addition, it blocks malware that can harm your devices.
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Kill Switch for Added Security
iProVPN’s Kill Switch feature disables your internet when its connection drops so your data doesn’t get leaked too. This feature makes sure that if your connection is down for even a small bit of time while getting shopping, your information is still safe.
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No-Logs Policy for Complete Privacy
iProVPN has a strict no logs policy, no info about you is stored or any browsing history. It provides that extra layer of privacy that safeguards your data against possible data leaks and prevents attacks against which people might exploit your online browsing behavior to conduct targeted scams.
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Global Server Network to Access Region-Based Deals
With a number of servers in different countries available from iProVPN, you are able to shed a bit of light on the mystery of Black Friday deals that are all region exclusive. That perfect flexibility can be utilized in order to seek out exclusive deals and discounts worldwide.
Practical Tips for Avoiding Black Friday Scams
But in addition to using iProVPN’s protective capabilities, you should employ good shopping habits. Here are some additional tips to help you navigate Black Friday deals without falling victim to scams:
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Check for HTTPS in URLs
A secure website should have “https: That means they will begin with a //” in the URL, indicating encryption of your data. If you’re at a site without that protocol you’re not protected, making it easy for scammers to get your information. Also avoid websites without HTTPS, especially when you are paying.
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Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases
Public Wi-fi networks are famous for being easily taken over by hackers. iProVPN can protect your internet connection even when you’re on the go and shopping, by connecting to our servers, so your data is safe even on unsecured networks.
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Watch Out for Urgent Language in Emails and Messages
You’ll see scammers use high pressure tactics in emails or messages – “Last chance!” or “Act now to get this deal!” Always verify the authenticity of any messages, iProVPN’s ad blocker is able to help block phishing ads or fake promotions to ensure a safer online shopping experience.
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Stick to Secure Payment Methods
Additionally, credit cards and PayPal as well as other secure payment mediums have added layers of protection, and they all come with a fraud protection policy. Don’t use direct bank transfers while they are not as secure and take more work to recover if scammed.
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Manually Enter Retailer URLs
Instead of clicking links inside emails or facebook and twitter posts, type the retailer’s straight URL directly in your browser. This simple habit can prevent you getting redirected to a phishing site. Using iprovpn also means that you prevent tracking and get a safer browsing experience.
Black Friday Benefits of Using iProVPN Beyond Security
While security is a big thing when it comes to using iProVPN, there are also additional benefits that make your Black Friday shopping better; unlocking geo restricted deals and early access to awesome discounts.
Access Exclusive Region-Based Deals
Some retailers only offer discounts to certain regions, although some will target all their customers with sales. iProVPN’s link to its global servers allows you to access deals available in multiple countries and increase your savings potential. For example, you might have different discounts on the same product based on where you are shopping, or you might find completely different products that are the same.
Early Access with Time Zone Advantage
Since Black Friday deals begin to take off at midnight, you can use iProVPN to connect to a Black Friday server in a time zone where Black Friday already started. That’s one advantage that will help you beat the rush and secure deals before they sell out.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up iProVPN for Black Friday Shopping
In case you want to be beyond a shadow of a doubt safe for Black Friday shopping, here’s a brief guide of how to set up iProVPN.
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Get iProVPN and download it on all your devices.
To simply secure your shopping session, install iProVPN on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It comes for most major platforms.
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Choose a shopping Server as per your requirements.
For speed, connect to a server in your country, or for region-based discounts, choose an international one from iProVPN’s 47+ global servers – which offers a wide range of deals.
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Activate Security Features
Activate additional security, turn on iProVPN’s ad blocker and malware protection. This prevents malicious ads and phishing attempts making your browsing safer.
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Enable the Kill Switch
If your VPN connection drops, you can activate the Kill Switch to ensure no more data bled out. And this is very useful when we want to shop on public Wi-Fi networks.
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Enjoy Privacy Protection when Shopping.
Using Black Friday deals, encryption, ad blocking, and IP masking with iProVPN, you can browse the Black Friday deals you care about knowing that your data is safe. You can shop safe and free with no matter where you are: home or on the go.
Avoiding Common Black Friday Pitfalls with iProVPN
You don’t want to make Black Friday a grocery day or shopping day either. However, common Black Friday pitfalls can be avoided by simply sticking to safe practices and using iProVPN. Here are some reminders to help you:
- Don’t Rush into Deals: To make people buy they just rely on urgency. Even if an offer seems time limited, take a moment for evaluation.
- Use Secure Payment Gateways: Do not make direct transfers or wire payments. If you are using iProVPN’s encryption and using credit cards or platforms like PayPal it will make things a little safer.
- Beware of Suspicious “Customer Service” Messages: The fake customer service messages are often sent by many scammers who are looking to get personal information. Check your contact from official sources.
Conclusion: Black Friday Shopping Easily with iProVPN
The deals on Black Friday are great, but you can also be scammed out of your money while shopping this big shopping day. To shop with confidence this year, trust iProVPN’s full line of exhaustive security features. iProVPN provides the protection you need from data theft & scam scams, with ad-blocking, secure encryption and IP masking. Using iProVPN and a host of safe shopping habits, you can keep enjoying the holiday savings season without jeopardizing your personal information or finances.
FAQs
- What are some common Black Friday scams to watch out for?
Black Friday scams often include fake online retailers, phishing emails, suspicious social media ads, fake customer service calls, and fraudulent gift card giveaways. These scams usually aim to trick you into providing personal information or making payments on illegitimate sites. Avoid clicking suspicious links, and always verify that you’re on a trusted website before entering payment details.
- How does iProVPN protect me while shopping online during Black Friday?
iProVPN keeps your online shopping experience safe through features like secure data encryption, IP masking, an ad blocker, malware protection, and a Kill Switch. These tools prevent scammers from tracking your data, block malicious ads, and ensure no sensitive information is leaked if your VPN connection drops.
- Can iProVPN help me access exclusive Black Friday deals in other countries?
Yes! With iProVPN’s global server network, you can access region-based deals that may not be available in your location. Connecting to a server in a different country lets you view special discounts and products offered only to specific regions, potentially helping you find unique deals.
- What’s the advantage of using a VPN to shop on Black Friday?
A VPN provides added security by encrypting your data, blocking harmful ads, and keeping your IP address private. Additionally, with iProVPN, you can access exclusive deals based on different time zones and countries, giving you a head start on popular discounts and even early access to deals before they sell out.
- Are there any shopping tips to avoid Black Friday scams besides using iProVPN?
Absolutely! In addition to using iProVPN, remember to only shop on sites that start with “https://” for secure browsing. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for purchases, stick to trusted payment methods, and enter URLs manually rather than clicking on email or social media links. These extra precautions further reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams.
- Will iProVPN slow down my connection while shopping online?
iProVPN is designed for minimal impact on speed while maintaining strong security. However, connecting to a nearby server often results in faster performance. For seamless Black Friday shopping, choose a server location close to you or one optimized for speed within the app.
- How does iProVPN’s ad blocker help me during Black Friday shopping?
iProVPN’s ad blocker prevents annoying and potentially harmful ads from popping up. This reduces the chance of clicking on malicious links disguised as Black Friday deals, protecting you from phishing attempts and fake sales that can compromise your data.
