The Romanian Police, the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC) and the Romanian Bank Association (ARB) draw attention to the increased risks of online fraud during Black Friday and offer recommendations to protect buyers.
Ahead of discount campaigns, authorities warn that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the increased interest in shopping and the high volume of online transactions to mislead consumers.
They can use fake or cloned websites that closely mimic the pages of legitimate stores, phishing emails and messages that appear to be sent by well-known institutions or companies, fraudulent social media ads that promise spectacular discounts, or even the sale of counterfeit products presented as branded items.
Criminals can also request payment through insecure methods, risking compromising users’ banking data.
Authorities recommend carefully checking the source of incoming messages and avoiding accessing links or attached files from suspicious emails or SMS, especially those claiming to come from postal services, courier companies, banks or telecommunications operators.
Buyers should only purchase products from secure platforms that provide a secure web address, complete company information, delivery and returns, and be wary of unrealistically advantageous offers by comparing prices and checking the domain of the site.
Secure payment methods
Also, payment must be made exclusively through secure methods that provide additional authentication and real-time confirmations, avoiding direct transfers to personal accounts or payment through links received on social networks or messaging applications.
Consumers should keep evidence of transactions, including invoices, payment confirmations, emails and screenshots, for potential complaints, and regularly monitor bank accounts to quickly identify any suspicious activity.
For additional advice and detailed information on digital safety, consumers can access the www.sigurantaonline.ro platform, part of the #SigurantaOnline campaign, run by the Romanian Police, DNSC and the Romanian Association of Banks, which offers useful resources to protect users against cyber fraud.
