Kaspersky has identified a surge in phishing scams targeting Singapore’s popular shopping platforms, including Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Zalora, during the Great Singapore Sale (GSS). Cybercriminals are exploiting the credibility of these well-known brands to lure unsuspecting shoppers into revealing personal information or making purchases that result in financial theft.
The GSS, traditionally a month-long event featuring in-store promotions, has evolved to include both online and offline deals, broadening the attack surface for cybercriminals. These criminals create phishing sites that mimic official stores, enticing victims to purchase items that are never delivered or to disclose sensitive account data. Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, noted, “Shoppers are more susceptible to fraud amid their urgency and excitement in sale periods, and cybercriminals are leveraging on this shopping frenzy to deploy more of such phishing and scam campaigns.”
Kaspersky warns that these scams are particularly effective due to their use of reputable brand names, which instil a false sense of security among shoppers. The urgency to secure deals during the GSS often overrides caution, making consumers more vulnerable to scams.
To protect against these threats, Kaspersky advises consumers to verify offers through official websites, scrutinise URLs before entering personal information, and use trusted payment methods. Additionally, employing a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, can help detect malicious attachments and prevent data leaks. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, vigilance remains crucial in safeguarding personal and financial information.
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