"Black Friday": watch out for online scams!

In addition to the fake promotions frequently noted by consumer organizations, numerous fraudulent advertisements intended to defraud you or steal your personal data proliferate during the Black Friday.

Watch out for fake sites that mimic existing brands! You will never receive the ordered product and will be paid for it.

During this period, also be vigilant against fraudulent messages (emails, SMS, social media ads) intended to steal your personal or banking data. Sharing your personal data with scammers can cost you dearly: hidden subscription, identity theft, using your credit card without your knowledge...

You may also be the victim of fake technical support or malicious software settled without your knowledge on your computer.

How to avoid scams?

Beware of overly tempting offers, they are often misleading proposals. Compare the price of the product you want to buy on known sites. Check that this is the site of the well-known brand by carefully inspecting the URL (address that appears in the address bar at the top of your browser), going directly to the merchant site to check the existence and price of the advertised product. Also pay attention to the spelling and address of the business.

If it is a letter received by email, carefully check the sender's address, spot all the signs of fraud: mistaken brand name, spelling mistakes, unusual labels, extension that is not in .fr or .com...

When you receive an email with interesting promotions, avoid clicking on the links. Go directly to the sign's website.

What if you are a victim of an online scam?

Report scams to site internet-signaling.gouv.fr, the Office central de lutte contre la criminalité liée aux technologies de l'information et de la communication platform.

To find out about scams or to report a scam website or email, a bank details theft or a phishing attempt: you can contact Info Scams at 0 805 805 817 (free call from the UK) from Monday to Friday from 9am to 6.30pm.

Go to cyber malware.gouv.fr, the National Platform for Assistance to Victims of Cybermalicious Acts. It provides information about digital threats and how to protect against them.