A simple adage that is particularly applicable during the holidays is if something appears too good to be true, it probably is. If purchases must be made on public networks, use cellular data or set up a virtual private network (VPN)Ĭommon sense is a good guide for staying cyber safe during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. Make online purchases through personal Wi-Fi networks.Never save credit card information in a browser.Typos or errors in the URL of the store - A common method of spoofing websites of popular brands is to substitute correct letters for ones that appear to be accurate, for example .Ĭanadian consumers are encouraged to take extra steps to protect their data and accounts when shopping online, to avoid falling victim to fraud.Stores that are missing security elements - A padlock symbol next to the URL in the address bar that is open or missing indicates the website’s data is not secure.Stores that are missing key information - The majority of legitimate retailers will always have a return policy, a privacy policy and proper contact information for the business.Spoofed stores don’t apply the same standards. Sites that look poorly designed - Most legitimate online stores will invest time and effort into the user experience, with nice images, an easy-to-navigate website and a smooth check-out process.Red flags about payment - For legitimate businesses’ online stores, the process for paying for merchandise online should be straightforward and standardized - Canadians should be wary of processes that seem overly complicated.Prices that are too low - There’s a limit to how much consumers can expect to save.It is important to recognize signs of illegitimate online stores and only purchase from secure websites. Get Cyber Safe offers Canadians simple steps to stay cyber safe and protect their data this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to the CAFC, there were 70,878 reports of fraud in Canada with over $530 million stolen in 2022. As cybercrime activity continues to rise, shoppers must take the necessary measures to mitigate the risks of online shopping. In the rush to secure deals online, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the big savings being offered by savvy retailers. Ottawa, Ontario, November 20, 2023 – The Communications Security Establishment (CSE), the Get Cyber Safe campaign, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are reminding Canadian consumers to be vigilant for cyber threats while shopping online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

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