Black Friday, originally an American tradition, has grown into a global phenomenon. In recent years, the shopping event has spread beyond the United States, and retailers everywhere participate by slashing prices on big-ticket items and popular products. Unfortunately, scammers also see this as a prime opportunity to take advantage of people’s desire for a good deal. Understanding the risks and knowing what to look for are essential for a safe shopping experience. In the blog post, we will provide you with a guide how to avoid black Friday scams online.
During Black Friday, scam tactics are more creative and believable. According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, online scams spike significantly around major retail events, with phishing emails alone increasing by nearly 200% during Black Friday weekend.
2. Common Types of Black Friday Scams
Scammers employ various methods to defraud consumers. Here are some common types to be aware of:
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate communications from trusted retailers. They may mimic popular stores, offer “exclusive” Black Friday discounts, or urge recipients to click on a link to secure a limited-time offer. Clicking on these links often leads to fraudulent sites or triggers malware downloads.
Tip: Always double-check the sender’s email address and look for signs of misspelling, unusual URLs, or urgent language. A legitimate retailer will not pressure you to act immediately.
Fake Websites
Creating a fake website to mimic a well-known retailer is one of the most common ways scammers trick consumers. These websites often look nearly identical to the official sites but exist only to collect personal and payment information.
Tip: Be cautious of new, unfamiliar sites. Verify that the website URL begins with “https” and look for trust badges, though even these can sometimes be faked.
Social Media Scams
Many scammers target consumers through social media ads, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They often advertise deals that seem too good to be true, with links leading to fraudulent sites or malware downloads.
Tip: Avoid clicking directly on ads from unknown retailers. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website through a search engine.
3. How to Identify Fake Deals and Offers
The excitement of Black Friday can sometimes cloud judgment, making it easy to fall for “too-good-to-be-true” offers. However, there are ways to spot fake deals and avoid falling into these traps.
Spotting Unrealistic Prices
If a website or ad claims a luxury item is on sale for 80% off, it should raise a red flag. Scammers frequently use high-value items at steep discounts to lure victims.
Tip: Research standard pricing for products you’re interested in, so you know a reasonable discount range. Trusted sites like CamelCamelCamel allow you to track Amazon prices and spot genuine discounts.
Avoiding Fake Coupons
Fake coupons are another tactic used to lure shoppers. These might be sent via email or social media, with claims of “exclusive” discounts.
Tip: Only use coupons from verified retailers or established coupon sites, such as RetailMeNot and Honey.
4. Secure Online Shopping Tips
The majority of Black Friday scams are carried out online, so it’s important to adopt secure shopping practices.
Shop on Trusted Websites
Sticking to well-known retailers reduces your risk of falling for a scam. These sites typically have strong security measures, including encrypted transactions and multi-factor authentication.
Tip: Check for reviews if you’re considering a lesser-known retailer. Sites like Trustpilot and Sitejabber provide user reviews that can help you make informed decisions.
Double-Check Website URLs
Some scammers create URLs that closely resemble legitimate retailer sites by changing just one letter. For example, “amaz0n.com” could trick you if you’re not paying close attention.
Tip: If you’re unsure about a URL, type the retailer’s name directly into a search engine to ensure you reach the legitimate site.
5. Recognizing Phishing Attempts
Phishing emails aren’t exclusive to Black Friday, but they tend to increase around major shopping events. Learning to recognize phishing emails will help protect you from potential scams.
Common Characteristics of Phishing Emails
- Urgent language: Phrases like “Act Now!” or “Your Account Will Be Closed” are red flags.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Phishing emails often contain noticeable typos and awkward phrasing.
- Unusual email addresses: Legitimate companies use official email domains, not generic ones like “@gmail.com.”
Tip: If you receive an unexpected email from a retailer, don’t click on any links. Visit the official website or contact customer service for verification.
6. Safe Payment Methods for Online Shopping
Choosing the right payment method can add an extra layer of protection. Here’s how to ensure your financial information stays secure.
Credit Cards Over Debit Cards
Credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards, as they are not directly linked to your bank account. Most credit card companies also provide dispute resolution options if you encounter unauthorized charges.
Tip: If you prefer not to use your main credit card, consider using a virtual credit card or prepaid card for online shopping.
Using Payment Platforms
Services like PayPal and Apple Pay offer secure payment methods that don’t expose your credit card information directly to retailers. Additionally, these services often provide added protections in case of fraud.
Tip: Avoid entering payment information directly into unknown websites. If a retailer supports secure third-party payment platforms, consider using them for added security.
7. Avoiding Suspicious Links and Ads
Malicious ads, also known as malvertising, are often spread through fake deals and pop-ups. Clicking these links can lead to fake sites or install malware on your device.
Recognizing Malicious Ads
Scammers often target high-traffic websites with fake banner ads or pop-ups that lead to harmful sites. Common signs of malvertising include ads that automatically download files or open multiple new tabs.
Tip: Use an ad blocker to reduce exposure to potentially malicious ads. Additionally, avoid clicking on ads for deals that seem overly enticing.
Ad Blockers and Browser Security Extensions
Ad blockers and security extensions like Adblock Plus and uBlock Origin are helpful tools to protect against malware and fraudulent links. These extensions block most pop-up ads and suspicious content.
8. Staying Safe on Social Media During Black Friday
Social media platforms are a common hunting ground for scammers during Black Friday. Recognizing fraudulent accounts and ads is crucial for a safe experience.
Recognizing Fake Retail Accounts
Scammers create fake accounts that impersonate popular retailers, promising exclusive discounts or giveaways. These accounts often have low follower counts or lack the verification badge of legitimate retailers.
Tip: Stick to official accounts verified by the platform. Most verified accounts display a checkmark next to the retailer’s name.
Avoiding “Flash Sale” Links
Many fraudulent posts claim to be “limited-time flash sales,” urging users to click links immediately. These links often lead to phishing sites or malware.
Tip: Instead of clicking on social media links, navigate directly to the retailer’s official website.
9. Using Browser Security Features
Browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox have built-in security features to protect users from known phishing sites. Make sure you have these settings enabled.
Safe Browsing Mode
Most browsers have a safe browsing mode that alerts users when they’re about to enter a potentially harmful site.
Tip: Regularly update your browser to benefit from the latest security patches.
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts that support it adds an extra layer of protection. Even if a scammer obtains your password, MFA makes it harder for them to access your account.
Tip: Use MFA for your main shopping accounts and email.
10. Reporting Scams and Fraudulent Activities
If you come across a suspected scam, report it to the relevant platform or organization. Many websites have dedicated fraud reporting channels, and government sites also provide reporting resources.
How to Report Scams
- Retailers: Contact the retailer directly if you notice fake ads or emails using their name.
- Social Media: Most social media platforms have reporting tools for fake accounts and ads.
- Authorities: In the UK, you can report scams to Action Fraud.
11. Protecting Your Finances Post-Black Friday
After Black Friday, it’s a good idea to monitor your finances closely. Scammers may still try to exploit your information, and suspicious transactions may take time to appear.
Regular Account Monitoring
Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Many banks offer instant alerts for each transaction, so you can respond quickly if anything seems amiss.
Freezing Credit
If you’re concerned about identity theft, consider freezing your credit. This step prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
12. Conclusion: Staying Vigilant Beyond Black Friday
By understanding the tactics scammers use and taking the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to Black Friday scams. Remember, scammers don’t just stop after Black Friday; they stay active throughout the holiday season and beyond. Make secure shopping practices a year-round habit, and you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy great deals without compromising your safety.