#None #Cybersecurity #AV-Comparatives #Fake Shops

Increasing Threat of Fake Online Shops Before Black Friday

As the holiday shopping season gears up, the digital landscape is increasingly fraught with risks. Recent findings by AV-Comparatives have thrown light on the alarming rise of fake online shops, which reportedly lure unsuspecting holiday shoppers with enticing but fraudulent bargains. The latest report highlights that the number of such deceptive storefronts has quintupled in just two months, presenting a critical challenge for consumers.

In response to this rising threat, AV-Comparatives conducted a comprehensive security test to determine which consumer products can effectively shield shoppers from these malicious online retailers. The organization examined 500 URLs of fake shops alongside 100 legitimate e-commerce websites. Impressively, seven security products have been granted certification for their capability to reliably detect and warn users about these counterfeit sites.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the report released by Savi Security on October 20, 2026, their Scamwise users are reporting a new fake shop approximately every three minutes—translating to around 500 reports daily. Most alarmingly, 85% of these fraudulent businesses vanish within a fortnight, complicating the task of preventing consumer deception. The fleeting nature of these websites means that traditional warning signs such as poor spelling or amateurish designs are becoming less reliable indicators of illegitimacy. This dynamic has created a pressing need for advanced security solutions that can analyze web pages in real-time, providing real-time feedback to users.

Cybersecurity expert Thomas Uhlemann from AV-Comparatives stated, "Fake shops have become so convincing that even seasoned online shoppers can fall victim, especially during critical shopping periods like Black Friday and the holiday season. Security software that alerts users before they enter sensitive payment information is imperative for safe online shopping."

How the Testing was Conducted

Between October 1 and 7, 2026, AV-Comparatives evaluated various security products, measuring their effectiveness against a selection of randomly chosen fake shop URLs. The tests were stringent; for a product to earn certification, it needed to successfully detect at least 80% of counterfeit stores without issuing false alerts on legitimate websites.

Certified Products

The following seven products demonstrated exceptional performance and earned AV-Comparatives' certification for their counterfeit shop detection capabilities:
1. Avast Premium Security
2. Bitdefender Total Security
3. F-Secure Internet Security
4. Kaspersky Premium
5. NordVPN Next-gen Antivirus
6. Norton 360 Deluxe
7. Norton VPN Ultimate

Tips for Consumers

As holiday shoppers brace for sales, they should remain vigilant. Simple yet effective precautions include:

• - Double-checking URL Spellings: Small typographical errors can indicate a fake shop.
• - Beware of Unreasonably High Discounts: Deals that seem too good to be true often are.
• - Utilize Buyer Protection Methods: Opt for payment methods that offer buyer protection to avoid potential scams.

For comprehensive results, additional product reports, and other safety tips, interested consumers can visit AV-Comparatives' Fake Shops Detection Test 2026 report.

About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives operates as a leading independent testing organization focused on cybersecurity. By evaluating security solutions that extend beyond traditional antivirus software, AV-Comparatives offers systematic assessments of endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across various platforms, including PCs, Macs, Android devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through realistic testing environments utilizing one of the world’s most sophisticated threat collections, AV-Comparatives provides freely accessible results and recognized certifications that signify proven cybersecurity performance.

Conclusion

As we move closer to the critical shopping days of Black Friday and the festive season, consumers must arm themselves with awareness and the right tools to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of online shopping.