Black Friday is the Olympics of shopping: high stakes, adrenaline pumping, and full of competition. But while you’re scouting deals on that air fryer you’ve been eyeing all year, scammers are busy scheming their own kind of shopping spree - your personal and financial information. The internet is their playground, and they’re hoping you’ll fall for their traps faster than you can click “Buy Now.” But fear not! In this post, we’ll dive into how to avoid Black Friday scams, all while keeping your holiday spirit and your bank account intact.
1. If the Deal Seems Too Good to Be True, It’s Probably Fake
Ah, the holy grail of online shopping: a $5 iPhone or a brand-new PS5 for $100. Tempting, right? Scammers know you’re searching for the steal of the season, so they bait you with absurdly low prices. The catch? That deal is likely a mirage. If a website is offering prices so low they’d make Santa suspicious, tread carefully.
Pro Tip: Stick to trusted retailers, and compare prices across multiple sites. If that $50 luxury handbag isn’t available anywhere else for less than $500, your gut is probably right - it’s a scam.
2. Beware of "Exclusive" Links from Unfamiliar Emails or Messages
Raise your hand if your inbox turns into a spam jungle around Black Friday. Scammers send out fake emails or text messages disguised as promotions, often using phrases like “Act Fast! Limited Time Offer!” Clicking those links can lead you straight into a phishing trap. Next thing you know, your credit card details are in the hands of an evil hacker.
What to Watch For:
Look for odd sender addresses like "deals@bestdealshop.xyz" (hint: real retailers don’t use sketchy domains).
Spelling errors, generic greetings like "Dear Valued Customer," and a sense of panic are red flags.
Pro Tip: Instead of clicking the link, go directly to the retailer’s official website by typing the URL in your browser. Trust yourself, not the unsolicited email promising you 90% off.
3. Shop Only on Secure Websites
Before handing over your credit card information, take a second to examine the website. The difference between a secure site and a shady one is often in the small details.
Checklist for Safety:
Does the URL start with https://? That little “s” stands for secure, and it’s non-negotiable.
Is there a padlock icon near the address bar? No padlock = big red flag.
Does the website feel off? Poor design, pixelated logos, or weird product descriptions might mean it’s not legit.
Remember, a scammer’s website doesn’t have to be perfect—just convincing enough to make you click.
4. Skip the Public Wi-Fi When Shopping
Picture this: You’re at your favorite coffee shop, latte in hand, clicking through Black Friday deals on free Wi-Fi. What could go wrong? Well, if the Wi-Fi isn’t secured, you could be broadcasting your personal information to lurking hackers. They can intercept your data faster than you can find a parking spot at the mall.
Pro Tip: If you must shop on-the-go, use your phone’s data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection. Your future self will thank you.
5. Know the Warning Signs of Fake Retail Websites
Scammers are crafty and skilled, often cloning the look of big-name retailers. At a quick glance, “amaz0n.com” or “target-deals-sale.com” might look legit. But if you dig deeper, these fake sites are as reliable as a knock-off designer bag.
Spot the Fakes:
The URL is slightly misspelled or includes extra words (e.g., walmart-bargains.shop).
Customer reviews don’t exist—or are suspiciously glowing with generic phrases like “Great product! Will buy again!”
Payment methods include sketchy options, like wiring money or paying via cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Pro Tip: If you stumble upon a new retailer, search for reviews outside of their website. Also, check for a working customer service number. A reputable retailer will want to be reachable.
6. Use a Credit Card, Not a Debit Card
When shopping online, using a credit card can give you an added layer of protection. Credit card companies often have better fraud protection policies and can reverse charges if something goes awry. Debit cards, on the other hand, link directly to your bank account, making it harder to recover stolen funds.
Pro Tip: Many credit cards offer virtual card numbers for online purchases. These unique, one-time-use numbers keep your actual card info safe.
7. Don’t Forget to Read the Return Policy
In the rush to snag a deal, it’s easy to overlook the fine print. Some scammers rely on shady return policies (or none at all) to keep your money once you realize the “new gadget” you bought is a glorified paperweight.
Before You Buy:
Look for clear return policies on the site.
Check if the seller charges absurd restocking fees or doesn’t accept returns at all.
Bonus points if they provide tracking numbers for your order—it’s a sign they’re legit.
8. Monitor Your Bank Statements Like a Hawk
Even if you’re careful, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements during and after Black Friday. Scammers often test stolen cards with small, easily overlooked purchases before making bigger transactions.
Pro Tip: Set up transaction alerts with your bank. That way, you’ll get a notification every time your card is used—legitimate or not.
9. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts when shopping online, and don’t let the pressure of Black Friday deals cloud your judgment. Scammers thrive on urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). Taking a moment to pause and double-check can save you from a lot of trouble later.
Final Thoughts and Our Top Tip: Unplug and Play Outside
Black Friday is definitely a great opportunity to snag some deals, but let’s be honest, no discount is worth the stress of falling for a scam. The best way to avoid Black Friday scams altogether? Step away from your screen, unplug, get outside! Go for a hike, play a game of catch, or build a snowman. Scammers can’t get you if you’re not online, and frankly, fresh air and fun are the best bargains of all.
So this Black Friday, instead of chasing deals, consider chasing sunsets, sledding down hills, or play with your dog. Your wallet and your sanity will thank you. Happy unplugging!