With the holiday shopping rush upon us, the threat of identity theft and online fraud looms large for consumers hitting the digital aisles during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Indiana Cybersecurity Hub has sounded the alarm, cautioning shoppers to be extra vigilant, as a report by the Federal Trade Commission highlights a staggering loss of over $300 million to online shopping fraud this year alone. The hub's warnings are echoed by alarming statistics from Capital One, revealing that Cyber Monday spending surged to $12.4 billion in 2023 and appears unstoppable in 2024, with a record of 73.1 million consumers shopping online last year compared to the 20.9 million who browsed in brick-and-mortar stores.

The burgeoning online spending is a clarion call for cybercriminals, who now, equipped with advanced AI-enabled bots, have refined their strategies for maximum plunder. These bots can mimic human shopping patterns to hoard in-demand merchandise or engage in account takeovers using stolen credentials. The Indiana Cybersecurity Hub advises shoppers to be cautious and provides practical tips to ensure a secure shopping experience, such as verifying secure URLs and avoiding unsolicited emails or ads that could, lead to fraud.

While online security is paramount, the Better Business Bureau also offers guidance for in-store shopping. It suggests strategies such as planning your shopping excursion, sticking to a budget, and scrutinizing the deals' fine print. These steps can help prevent the spontaneous and potentially costly purchases that this season invariably tempts us with. For those who suspect they have fallen prey to a scam in Indiana, resources are at hand on the Indiana Cybersecurity Hub's website, where victims can report and start recovering from incidents of identity theft or other forms of financial loss.