Every September, Colombians celebrate “Amor y Amistad” (Love and Friendship Day), a holiday similar to Valentine’s Day where friends and couples exchange gifts, often through online shopping deals. But this year, cybersecurity experts are warning that the shopping frenzy has become fertile ground for digital fraud.
According to reports, criminals are setting up fake online stores that mimic well-known brands, offering suspiciously low prices to lure shoppers into entering their card details on fraudulent checkout pages. Others are sending text messages claiming a package is “stuck” in customs or delivery, urging recipients to click a link and “update” their personal information — a classic phishing tactic.
Bank impersonation scams are also on the rise, with fake SMS alerts warning users that their account will be frozen unless they log in through a provided link, which actually leads to a fraudulent site designed to harvest banking credentials. Experts note that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using cloned voices and fake videos to make their schemes more convincing.
Authorities recommend verifying sellers directly through official channels, avoiding links sent via text or social media, and never sharing passwords, PINs or card numbers in response to unsolicited messages. If a deal or alert feels off, it’s best to pause before clicking.
Want the full breakdown of warning signs and prevention tips? Check out the original report at El Tiempo.
Source: ¡Cuidado con las ofertas de Amor y Amistad! Estas son las trampas digitales que buscan quedarse con su plata (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: U.S. Army USA-GB by Payton Porter.