Your Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Black Friday Scams

The countdown is on. The wish lists are made. The thrill of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is in the air—a time for unbelievable deals and the satisfying click of “Add to Cart.” But as we hunt for the best bargains, scammers are hunting for us. The good news? You don’t have to choose between getting a great deal and keeping your information safe. A little bit of know-how is all you need to protect yourself from common Black Friday scams and focus on what really matters: the fun of the find. Here’s how to stay safe, shop smart, and still enjoy every moment of the biggest shopping event of the year.

The Pre-Game Prep (Before You Shop)

A smart shopping strategy starts before the sales even go live. A few minutes of prep can save you hours of headaches later.

1. If a Deal Looks Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

That new 4K TV for 90% off? A brand-new gaming console for $50? Scammers prey on our desire for an incredible bargain. They use eye-popping deals, often in social media ads or unsolicited emails, to lure you to fake websites designed to steal your credit card information.

How to Stay Safe:

• Trust Your Gut: Be skeptical of prices that are drastically lower than every other retailer.
• Research the Retailer: If you’ve never heard of the website, do a quick search for “[Retailer Name] + reviews” or “[Retailer Name] + scam.” A lack of reviews or a flood of negative ones is a major red flag.

2. Vet the Website Before You Enter Any Info

Scammers are masters of disguise, creating lookalike websites that mimic your favorite brands. A single misplaced letter in a URL could lead you to a fraudulent clone.

How to Stay Safe:

• Look for the Lock: Always check for the padlock icon and https:// in the address bar. The “s” stands for “secure,” meaning the connection is encrypted. Never enter payment details on a site that only uses http://.
• Check the URL Carefully: Look for typos or strange domain names (e.g., Amaz0n-Deals.co instead of Amazon.com). When in doubt, type the retailer’s address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.

3. Make a Plan and Use Price Trackers

One of the oldest “scams” isn’t theft, but deception. Some retailers inflate prices just before Black Friday to make their discounts seem much larger than they actually are.

How to Stay Safe:

• Track Prices in Advance: Use browser extensions or websites like Honey, CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), or Google Shopping to track the price history of items on your wish list. This way, you’ll know if that “50% off” deal is genuine.

During the Shopping Spree (Smart Habits)

When the deals drop and the adrenaline is pumping, it’s easy to let your guard down. Stick to these habits to stay secure in the heat of the moment.

4. Beware of Phishing Emails and Suspicious Texts

Your inbox is about to be flooded with offers. Scammers will try to slip in with emails and texts disguised as a popular retailer, offering an “exclusive” or “limited-time” deal. These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to click a malicious link without thinking.

How to Stay Safe:

• Inspect the Sender: Check the sender’s email address. Scammers often use addresses that are close, but not quite right (e.g., deals@bestbuy-support.com).
• Hover, Don’t Click: On a computer, hover your mouse over any links to see the actual destination URL before you click.
• Look for Generic Greetings: Legitimate companies will often address you by name. Be wary of emails that start with “Dear Valued Customer.”

5. Use Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards

When it comes to online shopping, credit cards are your best friend. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges on a credit card to just $50 (and most banks offer $0 liability). Debit cards, however, are linked directly to your bank account. If a scammer gets those details, your cash could be gone in an instant.

How to Stay Safe:

• Credit Over Debit: Make all your Black Friday purchases with a credit card.
• Consider Secure Wallets: Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Shop Pay act as a middleman, so you don’t have to share your card details directly with every retailer.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases

That free coffee shop Wi-Fi is great for browsing, but it’s a terrible place to enter your financial information. Unsecured public networks are a playground for hackers who can potentially intercept the data you’re sending.

How to Stay Safe:

• Use a Secure Network: Wait until you’re on a trusted, password-protected network (like your home Wi-Fi) or use your phone’s cellular data to make a purchase.

The Post-Purchase Cooldown

You’ve snagged your deals! Just a couple more steps to ensure peace of mind.

7. Watch Out for Fake Shipping Notifications

The scams don’t stop after you buy. Be on the lookout for fake shipping confirmation emails or texts. These often contain links that either install malware on your device or lead to a phishing site asking you to “verify” your address and credit card details.

How to Stay Safe:

• Track on the Official Site: To check your order status, go directly to the retailer’s website or the official carrier’s site (like UPS or FedEx) and enter your tracking number there.

8. Monitor Your Bank and Credit Card Statements

Keep a close eye on your statements throughout the holiday season. The sooner you spot a fraudulent charge, the easier it is to dispute it.

Your Black Friday Safety Checklist (TL;DR)

• Be Skeptical: If a deal seems impossibly good, it is.
• Check for https://: Only shop on secure websites.
• Use Credit Cards: They offer the best fraud protection.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Never enter payment info on an unsecured network.
• Go Directly to Sites: Don’t rely on links in unsolicited emails.
• Monitor Your Statements: Keep an eye out for suspicious charges.

Black Friday is all about strategy, excitement, and scoring that perfect gift. By adding these simple safety habits to your shopping plan, you can confidently navigate the sales, avoid the scams, and keep the fun right where it belongs.

Happy deal hunting!

What’s the best deal you’re hoping to find this year? Share your wish list in the comments below!