According to recent research by cybersecurity company Avast, more than 4000 fake online shops have been discovered taking advantage of the post-Christmas sales and discount season. These fraudulent e-shops are posing as popular fashion brands such as Converse, Guess, Kate Spade, Stussy, Toms, Ugg, and Zara in order to steal personal and payment information from unsuspecting customers.

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Avast's researchers found that these fake websites often appear legitimate and can even rank high in search results when related terms are searched for online. This makes it easier for consumers to fall for their scams and unknowingly provide their personal information.

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In fact, Avast has already protected over 21,000 users from falling victim to these fake websites this holiday season. The company is urging consumers to be cautious and vigilant when shopping online, especially during this time of year when discounts and tempting offers are abundant.

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Avast's advice to consumers is to always check the legitimacy of shopping websites before making a purchase. This can be done by looking for reviews, checking the website's URL for any discrepancies, and ensuring that the website has a secure connection (look for "https" in the URL).

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This recent discovery of fake brand websites targeting post-Christmas bargain hunters is just one example of the growing threat of online scams and fraud. In fact, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Scamwatch website, Western Australian shoppers have already lost $400,000 to scams this year alone.

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This is a concerning trend, especially as the holiday season is a prime time for scammers to take advantage of consumers' increased online shopping activity. The ACCC is warning shoppers to be extra cautious and to report any suspicious activity or scams to Scamwatch.

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In light of these recent findings, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks when shopping online and to take necessary precautions to protect their personal and financial information. By being vigilant and following Avast's advice, shoppers can help to prevent falling victim to these fake brand websites and other online scams.

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Sources: https://internetretailing.com.au/fake-brand-websites-target-post-christmas-bargain-hunters/