Security Stop Press: Black Friday Scam Emails Surge to 77 per cent Fraudulent

Cybersecurity company Bitdefender's Antispam Lab reports that 77 per cent of Black Friday-themed emails in 2024 are scams, up from 70 per cent in 2023.

Bitdefender reports that these scams target consumers worldwide, with the US and Europe receiving 38 per cent and 44 per cent of such emails respectively. Two-thirds of these messages originate from the US, with significant activity also traced to Europe and Asia.

Scammers are tailoring their attacks to diverse demographics. For example, tech enthusiasts in Spain were targeted with malware-laden emails impersonating Fnac, delivering the Grandoreiro banking Trojan. Fashion shoppers received phishing emails promoting fake Ray-Ban discounts, while survey scams exploiting brands like Tesco and Costco sought sensitive details from grocery shoppers.

The variety of tactics, from counterfeit luxury goods to phishing surveys, demonstrates how cybercriminals are now exploiting regional and consumer preferences to maximise their reach.

Businesses can reduce their exposure by employing robust email filtering systems, training staff to spot phishing attempts, and using advanced security tools to flag suspicious links and emails. Regular updates to security protocols and proactive awareness campaigns are essential to staying ahead of these evolving threats.