Kaspersky warns of Valentine's Day gift scam surge

Cyber security firm Kaspersky has issued a warning about a surge in online scams associated with Valentine's Day gift buying, cautioning consumers to be wary of fraudulent websites.

The cybersecurity company highlighted that with the approach of Valentine's Day, a time typically associated with romance and gift-giving, cybercriminals have been exploiting the occasion by setting up fake websites. These sites offer attractive deals on items such as flowers, engagement rings, and popular electronics like Apple gadgets, aiming to deceive consumers into sharing personal information or paying for products that will never be delivered.

Kaspersky explained that as the demand for engagement rings specifically rises with many choosing this day for proposals, cybercriminals have targeted this trend. The company detected a fraudulent website that mimics Amazon, luring customers with enticing jewelry deals. This scam involves prompting users to input their Amazon login details, which are then captured and used by cybercriminals to take over the accounts. This credential theft can result in additional phishing attacks and data breaches.

Olga Svistunova, a Security Expert at Kaspersky, commented, "Holiday time is always marked with the large number of scams. Fraudulent schemes are mostly standard, however, they are highly adaptable to all emerging trends."

In addition to targeting jewellery buyers, scammers are also taking advantage of the significant market for flowers around Valentine's Day. Kaspersky found that fraudsters set up standalone fake websites with alluring images and descriptions to deceive buyers into purchasing items that won't be shipped.

The tech gift trend has not gone unnoticed by cybercriminals either. According to Kaspersky, there are fake online stores offering well-recognised technical brands, exploiting both the brands' reputation and the rising interest in tech gifts.

Ms Svistunova further advised, "Being cautious, when receiving favorable offers and tremendous discounts online, is crucially important. It is advisable to verify website addresses and avoid entering your personal information or banking details on suspicious sites in order to protect yourself from potential scams."

Kaspersky recommends several precautions for consumers to protect themselves while shopping online. These include verifying website URLs and domain names, especially when authenticity is in doubt. They also caution against falling for offers circulated via spam emails as these often contain phishing links to fake shops.

Furthermore, the company advises avoiding divulging personal or banking information on platforms that are not verified and using comprehensive cybersecurity software that can block malicious links and ensure safer online transactions.