25.11.2025 - As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, discounts are heating up. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approaching, online retailers are preparing for the busiest time of the year. Consumers are looking for the best deals. And, unfortunately, scammers are busy too – and they're ready to profit from the rush.
Recently, we have seen an increase in reports about fake online shops, fraudulent prize draws, and sophisticated phishing campaigns. Scammers are refining their tactics to deceive as many people as possible during the hectic search for bargains.
Fake online shops
Fake online shops used to be easy to spot thanks to poor graphics or basic language errors. Today, however, scammers increasingly rely on professional-looking websites and copy the layout of well-known Swiss retailers. To appear legitimate, they use Swiss-sounding URLs or site names, and advertise heavily on social media with high discounts.
They target products that are in high demand and expensive, such as lamps, gaming consoles, electronics, brand-name clothing and kitchen appliances. These 'too good to be true' offers are designed to lure customers in. Scammers usually push for upfront payment by credit card, TWINT or instant transfer. The goods are never shipped, or victims receive low-quality items instead. If you pay by credit card, there is also a real risk that your card details will be used for further scams.
Post-Black Friday phishing wave
Where there are many orders, there are many parcels. Scammers exploit the surge in parcel deliveries following Black Friday and Cyber Monday to launch the next major wave of phishing attacks. They send emails or text messages claiming to be from Swiss Post, DHL, DPD or other courier companies, saying that your parcel can't be delivered, or that you need to confirm your address or pay outstanding customs fees. The email contains a link to a deceptively real-looking phishing website.
You are then asked to pay a small fee, often CHF 1–3. In reality, the scammers' goal is to obtain your credit card details for later, or to trick you into taking out an unwanted subscription.
Recommendations
- Be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true – they probably are.
- Check the online shop and search for reviews. If there are no review or the reviews are bad, avoid the shop.
- In Weekly Review 28/2025, we explained how to spot scam websites – you may find this guide helpful.
- Choose secure payment methods. Paying by invoice is safest. Be very cautious if a shop only offers upfront payment methods such as credit card, TWINT or instant transfer.
- Do not click on links in parcel delivery notifications. If you are expecting a parcel, only check the tracking status on the official website of the delivery service or using the tracking number provided directly by the retailer.
- Never enter your credit card details if you receive a text message or email asking you to pay a 'customs fee' or 'address verification'. Legitimate providers do not request payments in this way.
Current statistics
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Last modification 25.11.2025
