Navigating Cyber Monday: Protecting Yourself from Scams in 2025

As the excitement of Cyber Monday intensifies, so does the threat of cybercrime. With rising levels of phishing, credential theft, and financial fraud reported this year, shoppers must be especially vigilant. Cybercriminals capitalize on consumers’ urgency and enthusiasm, creating increasingly sophisticated scams. This article will explore common scams to be aware of and provide tips to ensure your online shopping experience remains safe.

Understanding the Scope of Cybercrime

In November 2025, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued a warning about the increasing realism of phishing emails. One notable scam involved emails mimicking official communications from the Canton of Zurich. These emails urged recipients to update their information for new cryptocurrency tax rules and led victims to a convincing fake website. Notably, after they entered their personal and financial data, they were redirected to the legitimate portal, creating further confusion.

Globally, the 2025 Digital Defense Report by Microsoft revealed that a staggering 52% of cyberattacks are now financially motivated, overshadowing espionage efforts at just 4%. Attackers are primarily focused on immediate financial gain through data theft and extortion.

Global Trends: A Growing Concern

Countries like Japan have also reported alarming increases in cybercrime. The Financial Services Agency noted nearly USD 700 million in unauthorized trades since March, largely linked to stolen login details acquired through fraudulent securities websites.

As Cyber Monday approaches, these growing trends indicate that consumers can expect a surge in scams this holiday season, particularly through enticing fake deals, phishing emails, and dubious applications.

Common Cyber Monday Scams

Fake Deals

One of the most prevalent scams involves enticing fake deals. Cybercriminals create websites that closely mimic popular retail platforms, offering unbelievable discounts and using professional product images to seem credible. Key tactics employed by these scammers include:

• Paid advertising for counterfeit offers
• AI-generated product photos that appear genuine
• Phony customer support chatboxes
• Websites designed solely to harvest credit card and personal information

These counterfeit sites may even follow up with fake confirmation emails to further deceive victims.

Phishing Emails

During Cyber Monday, the volume of phishing emails skyrockets. Shoppers naturally anticipate order updates and discount notifications, prompting scammers to send fraudulent messages disguised as communications from trusted retailers or logistics companies. Common phishing tactics include:

• Notifications of delayed orders
• Warnings about payment failures
• Offers of exclusive early-access discounts
• QR codes leading to fraudulent login pages

These emails often include legitimate logos and domain names that closely resemble those of reputable businesses, making them difficult to spot.

Counterfeit Mobile Apps

The rise of fake mobile applications represents another significant threat. Scammers create apps that masquerade as coupon finders or cashback trackers. Once installed, these apps can capture sensitive information, including one-time passwords (OTPs). Harmful applications can:

• Access text messages
• Capture saved payment information
• Monitor keystrokes
• Dispatch fake push notifications

Security experts have flagged imitation Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) apps that often proliferate during Cyber Monday sales.

Social Media Scams

Social media has become a prominent platform for cybercriminal activity. Recently, attackers have leveraged AI to generate fake influencer posts, promotional videos, and discount codes leading to harmful websites. These scams gain traction quickly as they may be artificially boosted with fake likes and comments.

Protecting Yourself on Cyber Monday: Essential Tips

To safeguard yourself during the Cyber Monday frenzy, consider adopting these preventative measures:

• Verify website URLs: Always check that you are on the official website before making a purchase.
• Be skeptical of social media offers: Avoid deals communicated solely through direct messages on social platforms.
• Download apps from official sources only: Stick to your device’s authorized app store to minimize risks.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an additional layer of security to your accounts.
• Exercise caution with QR codes: Especially those included in unsolicited emails; they may direct you to malicious sites.
• Avoid entering payment details on unfamiliar websites: If a site feels off or untrustworthy, it’s best to refrain from providing any financial information.

By remaining vigilant and adopting these strategies, you can decrease the risk of falling victim to scams this Cyber Monday 2025. With cyber threats on the rise, awareness and caution are your best allies in ensuring a secure shopping experience.