Security News > 2021 > November > FBI: Online shoppers risk losing over $53M to holiday scams
The Federal Bureau of Investigation warned today that online shoppers risk losing more than $53 million during this year's holiday season to scams promising bargains and hard-to-find gifts.
"During the 2020 holiday shopping season, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 17,000 complaints regarding the non-delivery of goods, resulting in losses over $53 million," the federal law enforcement agency said in a public service announcement issued through the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Scammers' targets also risk falling victim to identity theft and fraudulent card charges after having their personal or financial information stolen with web skimmers or in phishing attacks.
Check Point revealed in the Brand Phishing Report for Q2 2021 that the top five brands by their appearance in brand phishing attacks are Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, BestBuy, and Google.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency provides security tips on how to stay safe online while shopping.
The FBI also shared tips on how to avoid falling victim to online shopping scams.