Netcraft, a leading internet security firm, has revealed alarming findings regarding fake retail sites ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As digital holiday shopping gains popularity, cybercriminals are taking advantage of the surge in online activity to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

According to Netcraft’s research, there has been a staggering 135% increase in blocked fake retail sites compared to the same period last year. This represents an alarming growth rate, more than doubling in the past 12 months. Cybercriminals are using various techniques to trick users and harm brand credibility.

Netcraft further revealed that fake online shops often masquerade as luxury brands or established retailers, enticing shoppers with highly discounted goods. These fraudulent websites aim to capture payment details and other sensitive information, which can be either used directly or sold to other cybercriminals. Additionally, many of the products promised by these sites are not delivered or turn out to be counterfeit.

Additionally, Netcraft has identified several prominent fake retail sites, including one that targeted popular US home improvement retailer Lowe’s and another that targeted online retailer Rakuten. Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their tactics, incorporating themes like Black Friday to make the fake shops appear more convincing. They even go as far as using deceptive domains that closely resemble well-known organizations, further tricking users into thinking they are interacting with legitimate websites.

To protect consumers, Netcraft advises paying attention to certain indicators that can help identify fake retail sites. These include unusually low prices, absence of contact details or generic content in “about us” sections, social media icons that lead to fraudulent profiles, and design inconsistencies or brand mismatching. Additionally, shoppers should be wary of questionable domain names that imitate well-known brands or include phrases like “sale” or “discount.”

The internet security firm also stated that the rise of fake retail sites is not only detrimental to consumers but also has severe financial and reputational consequences for legitimate brands. With online shopping amounting to billions of dollars each year, cybercriminals’ fraudulent activities pose a significant threat to the security and trustworthiness of the e-commerce landscape.

As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for shoppers to remain vigilant and take precautions while making online purchases. By staying aware of the tactics used by cybercriminals and following best practices, consumers can protect themselves and ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience.