Rise in counterfeit websites threatens holiday shoppers

As the festive shopping season approaches, a surge in the number of counterfeit websites has been identified, posing a threat to online consumers.

Researchers at Avast have discovered nearly 80,000 fake websites in 2024, with a noticeable increase as the holiday season nears. These websites have been found to mimic well-known retail brands such as Pandora, Swatch, H&M, Princess Polly, and Zara, especially in regions like New Zealand.

These impersonating e-shops are designed to trick consumers into revealing personal and financial information, often looking almost indistinguishable from legitimate sites.

Jakub Kroustek, Malware Research Director at Avast, highlighted, "Malvertising and adware are driving traffic to fake sites, with malvertising up 53% and adware skyrocketing 227% during the holiday season, targeting shoppers hunting for deals."

Specific examples of deceitful domains include names such as pandoraoutletnz.co.nz and swatch-nz.co.nz, which entice shoppers with offers that seem too good to be true.

Kroustek further advised consumers on how to protect themselves from these fake e-shops. He stressed the importance of verifying the credibility of websites before making any transactions or providing personal data: "Before entering personal information or making a payment, verify the credibility of the website. Check the URL, look for reviews from other customers, and ensure that the site is secured with 'https.'"

He recommended using trusted payment methods to add an extra layer of security for financial details. "Be cautious if there is only one payment method, especially if it requires entering your card details directly on the e-shop page. Legitimate platforms usually offer a variety of secure payment options," Kroustek said.

He also suggested exercising caution during sales periods and resisting the urgency to make quick purchases: "While discounts are enticing, be cautious during purchases at sale prices. Resist the pressure for a quick purchase without thorough consideration and comparison of offers."

Other advice included being on the lookout for signs of fraudulent activity. "Observe warning signs such as spelling errors on websites, unusual email addresses, or suspicious offers. Legitimate e-shops always present themselves with care and professionalism," Kroustek added.

Additionally, Kroustek emphasised the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software on devices to safeguard sensitive information from online threats.

Lastly, he encouraged online shoppers to share their experiences and warnings, fostering a safer online shopping environment: "Engage with other online shoppers and share your experiences with various e-shops. Warn against suspicious websites and contribute to creating a safe online environment for everyone."

In October, Avast's security measures protected over 5,200 users in New Zealand alone from these fraudulent sites, highlighting the significant risk present in the digital shopping landscape.