How to navigate November's shopping frenzy safely

Many Israelis regularly shop online throughout the year, but in November, the month of massive sales, the shopping spree intensifies. Special days like Black Friday and Shopping IL offer fantastic opportunities for shopping enthusiasts to make numerous online purchases with discounts across nearly every category, and Israelis certainly take advantage of them. However, this period also sees a notable increase in attempts at digital financial fraud, which can cast a shadow over the shopping festivities. Therefore, it’s crucial to shop wisely and cautiously.

"November marks the peak of the shopping season, and naturally, we witness a rise in fraud attempts, which occur throughout the year," says Zohar Haba, security manager for UPS in Israel. "The types of fraud have become diverse. Fake email accounts and SMS messages impersonate shipping and delivery companies to steal user information, hack devices, and commit credit card fraud. The combination of pressure not to miss out on deals and the influx of messages about many shipments can mislead anyone."

According to Zohar, the first question everyone should ask themselves or their family members is whether they have actually ordered a package and are waiting for delivery. "Sometimes you may receive messages about a 'shipment on hold' even if you didn’t place an order—this is usually the beginning of a fraud attempt. Therefore, before rushing to click on links, it’s important to pause and consider whether the message corresponds to an order you placed. If you don’t have an open order, it’s likely a fraudulent message."

And if we are waiting for a shipment, how can we verify the authenticity of the message?

"There are several signs that can help us check. First, messages from reputable shipping companies like UPS or Israel Post usually include unique tracking numbers. If you receive a message that doesn’t contain a tracking number (waybill) but only a general notification, this could be a suspicious sign. The tracking number is the way to check if the shipment really exists."

If there is a tracking number, how do you check it safely without risking a malicious link?

"The safe and correct way to check is to go directly to the official website of the shipping company, not through a link provided in the message. For example, if the message is from UPS, it’s important to go to UPS.com or the Israeli site www.ship.co.il, where you can enter the tracking number and check the status. If the number is unrecognized or the status does not match what the message says, it’s likely a fraud attempt."

Zohar also recommends paying attention to the content of the message. He explains that legitimate messages will include precise details, such as the sender's name, city or country of origin, and the recipient's name. "A message lacking details or containing generic, unfamiliar names raises suspicion. A legitimate message will also remind you of the order you placed and include identifying information."

"Additionally, the style and language in which the message is written matter. Israeli companies will write in proper Hebrew, and certainly will not pressure you to approve something quickly. Therefore, messages containing spelling mistakes, illogical phrasing, or pressure to respond quickly often indicate fraud."

What about the links in the message or email? How can we ensure they are safe?

"Shopping smart means carefully checking every message and link and not clicking without thought. It’s important to ensure that the links lead to legitimate website addresses. For instance, if it’s a message from the post office, the link should direct you to the post office’s website. Sometimes, you may see links that appear trustworthy, but they lead to a phishing site. If the message comes via email, it’s also wise to check the full sender address, not just the name that appears in the header, as scammers can forge that."

What should you do if you encounter a suspicious message that you are sure is not relevant to you?

"In such a case, you should perform all the checks we've discussed—verify the order details, check the unique identifiers, and look at the link and sender address. If you still suspect the message is not genuine, simply delete it and do not click on the link."

The ease and simplicity of purchasing both Israeli and international products have long influenced our way of life. Everything is available and accessible. Moreover, the shopping month provides Israelis with ample opportunities to buy products at significant discounts. Despite the convenience, it’s essential not to overlook information security and to scrutinize every suspicious link, SMS, and email—and of course, to share this message with our loved ones. Happy shopping!