Black Friday Scams: Black Friday is a great time for deals, but it also attracts scammers. To stay safe, shop only from trusted retailers, check for “https://” and a padlock icon on websites, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection and avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Be wary of unsolicited emails or texts offering deals and always go directly to the retailer’s website. Monitor your purchases and bank statements to catch any suspicious activity early.
Black Friday Scams on the Rise
Why Black Friday Is A Hotbed For AI Scams—And How To Spot Themhttps://t.co/psKMJZ3GfN pic.twitter.com/3Q8nKFkI9O
— Forbes (@Forbes) November 20, 2024
According to TransUnion, the US saw an 11.6% increase in suspected digital Black Friday fraud attempts during the November 23–27 holiday weekend in 2023 compared to the rest of the year. What to expat in 2024?
1. Phishing Emails & Texts
Phishing emails and texts are common during Black Friday, often disguised as urgent messages from retailers.
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These scams trick people into clicking on malicious links and providing personal information. Common tricks include fake account verification requests or messages about recent orders.
2. Fake Websites & Online Stores
Another risk is fake websites that mimic legitimate stores by using slight misspellings, a tactic known as typosquatting.
These sites look convincing at first, especially when shoppers are rushing, but they’re designed to steal personal data and credit card details. Always double-check URLs and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Look for “https://” in the URL
- Double-check the domain name for slight misspellings (e.g., “Amaz0n” instead of “Amazon”)
- Stick to well-known retailers or verified marketplaces
3. Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals
Unbelievably low prices or “exclusive” offers shared through email or social media should raise suspicion. Scammers often use these tactics to lure shoppers with deals that seem too good to pass up, only to steal payment information.
Always verify the legitimacy of such offers before making a purchase and avoid sharing personal details with untrusted sources.
- Research average prices for items you’re targeting to spot unrealistic discounts
- Verify deals directly on the retailer’s official website
4. Use secure payment methods
Compared to debit cards or direct bank transfers, credit cards and secure payment systems (like PayPal) provide superior fraud prevention. It’s a scam if the merchant asks for payment in cryptocurrencies or gift cards.
- Enable fraud alerts and monitor your statements for unauthorized transactions
- Avoid saving payment details on unfamiliar websites
5. Verify social media advertisements
During Black Friday, social media sites are overrun with advertisements, many of which are from unreliable sellers. Scammers deceive customers with alluring photos and reviews.
- Check the retailer’s official profile and reviews before buying
- Use “Google Reverse Image Search” to see if the advertised product photos are stolen from legitimate sites
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6. Counterfeit Products
Black Friday price reductions may make it more difficult for buyers to spot fake goods. This is used by scammers to fool customers into placing orders for highly discounted items and giving them fictitious tracking numbers for unfulfilled orders.
7. Fake Gift Cards & Coupons
Gift cards are a popular tool for scammers, especially during Black Friday, as they are easy to buy, share, and difficult to trace. Scammers may promote fake “free” gift cards or special offers that require completing surveys or making purchases.
These scams often aim to steal personal data or trick victims into paying for counterfeit products. Always be cautious of gift card deals that seem too good to be true, and avoid using gift cards for payments unless you’re certain of the legitimacy of the offer.
8. Non-Delivery Scams
Black Friday package delivery scams often involve fake websites that rush shoppers into making quick purchases with low prices. After payment, victims don’t receive tracking numbers or their items, and the scammer disappears.
Scammers can also impersonate delivery companies like UPS or FedEx, sending phishing emails or texts about delivery issues, asking victims to click a link and provide personal or financial information. In some cases, scammers claim a customs fee is due, directing victims to fake sites to steal funds.
Always verify the legitimacy of delivery messages and websites before clicking any links.
9. Check return policies
During Black Friday, scammers often offer products with fake or non-existent return policies to trap shoppers. Even on legitimate sites, return policies can be stricter during sales, making it harder for consumers to return unwanted items.
Always check return policies carefully before making a purchase, especially on unfamiliar websites, to avoid potential scams.
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- Read the return and refund policy carefully before buying
- Avoid sellers with vague or non-transparent terms
10. Update your security software
Hackers use malware and spyware to gain access to your devices during shopping events, which is when cyberattacks are most common.
- Install the latest antivirus software on your devices
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks unless using a VPN for secure browsing
- Regularly update your device’s operating system to patch vulnerabilities
