This Black Friday season, stay alert of online shopping scams. Fraudsters are using fake shopping websites to steal payment information and commit further scams.

A fraud network called "SilkSpecter" has created over 4,700 fake online stores impersonating well-known brands like IKEA, The North Face, and Wayfair. These sites offer steep discounts to attract shoppers but are designed to steal your credit card details and other personal information.

When you try to make a purchase, you’ll be redirected to a payment page asking for your credit card number, expiration date, CVV, and phone number. Once entered, your money is stolen and your phone number may be used in future scams, such as phishing or fraudulent calls.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Websites: Only shop on trusted, official retailer websites. Double-check the URL for typos or extra words like “store” or “shop” in the domain.
2. Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals: If a discount seems unrealistically high, it could be a scam.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid entering your payment information on unknown sites. Consider using services like PayPal or virtual credit cards for added security.
4. Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar).
5. Check Reviews: Search for reviews or warnings about the website before making a purchase.

What to Do if You’re a Victim

• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report unauthorized transactions.
• Change any passwords associated with the compromised information.
• Report the incident to local authorities and online fraud reporting services.

Stay vigilant and protect yourself from scams this holiday season.

Remember: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!

For more information and updates, please visit the GNWT’s consumer affairs page at www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/consumer-affairs.

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah                              
Senior Communications and Planning Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca           
(867) 767-9162 Ext: 21044