How to Avoid Common Black Friday Scams: A 2024 Guide for Safe Shopping

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, shoppers everywhere are looking forward to snagging the best deals. However, the holiday shopping season also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. In this guide, we’ll cover how you can avoid common Black Friday scams in 2024 to ensure a safe, successful shopping experience.

1. Research Retailers Before You Buy

Online retail scams are on the rise, with scammers creating fake websites that look like legitimate stores. Before you click “Buy Now” on an amazing Black Friday deal, research the retailer to ensure it’s trustworthy.

• Check Reviews and Ratings – Use platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify the retailer.
• Look for HTTPS – A secure website will begin with “https://” rather than “http://”. This means the site is encrypted, which protects your data.
• Verify Contact Information – Reputable sites should have clear contact details. Be cautious if a site only lists a form with no phone number or physical address.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the official websites of major retailers to avoid accidentally visiting a copycat site.

2. Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Black Friday sales are known for big discounts, but some offers are just too good to be true.

Scammers often lure people in with fake promotions, promising items at 80-90% off or using flashy “limited-time” pop-ups. Here’s how to recognize suspicious offers:

• Compare Prices – Check several sources. If the deal is significantly lower than other reputable sites, it might be a fake.
• Avoid Suspicious Ads on Social Media – Social media ads are often used by scammers to promote fake Black Friday deals. Always go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking on ads.
• Be Wary of “Doorbuster” Emails – Scammers send emails that look like real “doorbuster” sales, often using branding that mimics well-known stores. Look for typos, strange email addresses, and generic greetings like “Dear Customer” rather than your name.

Pro Tip: Make sure your antivirus software is updated. Some fake ads carry malware that can harm your device.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

When shopping online, prioritize secure payment methods to reduce the risk of fraud.

• Credit Cards – Most credit card companies offer strong fraud protection. Avoid using debit cards or wire transfers, as these have fewer protections.
• PayPal and Digital Wallets – PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are secure options for online transactions. They keep your payment information private and often offer buyer protections.
• Avoid Cash Payment Apps – Be cautious about paying through apps like Venmo or CashApp, as these usually lack buyer protection.

4. Be Aware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are especially common during Black Friday when scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be well-known retailers. These emails often contain links to “exclusive deals” that lead to fraudulent sites.

• Check the Sender’s Email Address – Legitimate companies usually have official domain emails (e.g., @amazon.com). Be cautious if the sender’s email looks off.
• Hover Over Links – Before clicking on any links, hover over them to see the URL. Scammers often disguise their links to look like official websites.
• Ignore Requests for Personal Information – Reputable companies will never ask you for sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers over email.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the URL into your browser.

5. Watch Out for Fake Customer Service Contacts

Another common scam is fake customer service numbers listed on fraudulent websites. Scammers may even create fake social media accounts claiming to represent a retailer’s support team.

• Verify Customer Service Numbers – Go directly to the retailer’s official website to find contact details rather than relying on Google or social media.
• Use Verified Social Media Accounts – Legitimate brands usually have a blue checkmark on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Don’t engage with accounts that don’t have this verification.

6. Beware of Package Delivery Scams

Many shoppers experience package delivery issues, especially around the holidays. Scammers capitalize on this by sending fake delivery notifications via text or email.

• Check Tracking Links – If you receive a shipping update, verify the tracking link by going to the delivery service’s official website (e.g., UPS, FedEx).
• Don’t Enter Personal Information – Scammers may ask you to “verify” personal information, such as your address or payment details, to resolve an issue. Legitimate companies won’t ask for these details.

7. Protect Your Data with a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. This is especially useful if you’re shopping on public Wi-Fi, which can be vulnerable to hacking.

• Choose a Reputable VPN – Avoid free VPNs as they may sell your data. Look for well-known paid VPN services with good reviews.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Add extra security to your shopping accounts by enabling two-factor authentication, making it harder for scammers to access your data.

8. Keep Records of Your Purchases

Finally, keep records of your purchases in case of any issues with orders. Save all confirmation emails and screenshots of order pages.

• Save Receipts and Order Confirmations – These records will be helpful if you need to dispute a charge or file a fraud report.
• Monitor Your Bank Statements – Keep an eye on your statements during and after Black Friday to spot any unauthorized transactions quickly.

Summary: Stay Safe While Shopping This Black Friday

By following these steps, you can avoid common Black Friday scams and focus on finding great deals! Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Research retailers, use secure payment methods, and stay vigilant about suspicious emails and links.