Romania authorities warn of rising online fraud during Black Friday

The National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC), the Romanian Police, and the Romanian Banking Association (ARB) have issued a joint warning regarding increased cybercrime risks during the Black Friday shopping period. Authorities report that fraudulent activities, including fake online stores, phishing messages, and impersonation of courier services, are common tactics used to steal personal and banking data.

Scammers often use social media advertisements to promote unrealistic discounts or send SMS and email notifications regarding blocked packages or pending refunds. These messages frequently contain links to fraudulent websites designed to mimic legitimate retailers or financial institutions. Additionally, the company Join Up! Romania has reported that unauthorized parties are using its brand identity to send fake invoices and booking confirmations via WhatsApp and phone calls.

To protect themselves, authorities recommend that consumers manually enter website addresses into browsers rather than clicking links in messages, verify the full URL for spelling errors, and check for clear contact information and return policies. Users are advised to never share PINs, online banking passwords, or authorization codes, and to immediately contact their bank if they suspect their card details have been compromised.