Marketplace Scam Bots Target North American Shoppers During Major Sales
Security experts from a leading anti-fraud division report a rise in scams that impersonate official marketplace brands through Telegram bots. The aim is to steal personal data by offering rewards or discounts under the guise of a trusted retailer. Users are invited to participate in a spin the wheel style game to win a discount, a gift card, or other prizes. After a win is declared, the bot asks for information to claim the prize, which may include login credentials or card details. Providing such data can lead to loss of account access or unauthorized charges.
During large sale events the risk increases. Trust and Security Director Wildberries Igor Somov notes that scams become especially active around major promotions like Black Friday. The firm continues to deploy advanced security measures, including monitoring, fraud detection, and user education, yet vigilance by shoppers remains essential in protecting personal data and finances.
Industry insiders describe parallel schemes. A former product leader at a major operator described scammers adopting a tactic where employees of popular online stores offer unusually favorable terms. The impostors request a code or password for a personal account via SMS under the pretext of placing an order or activating a discount. These tactics aim to harvest credentials and secure access to accounts or financial details for unauthorized use.
Authorities in the digital space recently outlined steps to shield consumers from phone based scams. In North America, consumer protection agencies emphasize verifying the source of any discount offers and avoiding sharing codes received by SMS or chat apps. When in doubt, shoppers should use official apps and websites, not links received through chats, and enable two factor authentication on accounts whenever possible. This guidance applies to Canadians and Americans alike as they navigate peak shopping periods.
Practical advice for shoppers is straightforward. Do not disclose login details or card data to chat bots or unknown numbers. Verify deals through official brand apps and websites. Use trusted payment methods that offer buyer protection. Be cautious of unsolicited rewards or discounts that require entering sensitive information. If suspicious, report the bot to the marketplace and discontinue interaction. Change passwords after any suspected contact and monitor bank statements for unusual activity.
Retail platforms and payment providers are expanding their defenses with machine learning, anomaly detection, and enhanced authentication. Multi factor authentication, device based recognition, and real time alerts help reduce the impact of such scams. Shoppers in Canada and the United States should stay vigilant during peak sale periods and adopt secure habits that protect personal data and financial information.
While brands continue to invest in safety, the final layer of defense rests with consumers. Validating that a chat or bot is connected to a legitimate brand is essential. If a message arrives through a third party app and requests sensitive information, it should be treated with suspicion. The recommended approach is to navigate directly to official channels or contact customer support through verified numbers rather than following prompts from suspicious bots.
Ultimately, the goal is to empower buyers to shop securely. The North American market mirrors global trends where fraud schemes leverage popular shopping events to maximize impact. Understanding the patterns used by scammers helps shoppers recognize risky prompts and avoid actions that compromise personal data. By staying informed and cautious, customers protect themselves and their finances. Attribution: Wildberries anti fraud team, security briefings