How to Stay Safe from Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams: Top Tips for Secure Shopping

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are exciting opportunities to snag deals—but they’re also prime opportunities for scammers. As shoppers flock online in search of discounts, cybercriminals are waiting to exploit shoppers with fake websites, fraudulent ads, and phishing scams.

Here’s how you can help avoid falling victim to common scams and shop with confidence this season.

Common Black Friday Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Websites and Ads

   Scammers often create convincing websites or ads promising unbeatable deals. A typical scam might work like this:

• You see an ad for the latest tech at half the price.
• Clicking the link takes you to a professional-looking website.
• You’re tempted to enter your card details to grab the deal.

Unfortunately, those details go straight to the scammer.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick to trusted retailers by typing their web address directly into your browser.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Look for telltale signs of fake sites, like spelling mistakes or odd domain names such as “amaz0n-deals.net.”

2. Scams on Facebook Marketplace

   Facebook Marketplace can be an opportunity for a bargain, but it’s also a favourite spot for scammers. They often post fake listings for high-demand items, pressure buyers to pay upfront, and then disappear without delivering the goods.

How to Stay Safe:

• Meet sellers in person whenever possible, and inspect items before paying.
• Avoid payments via bank transfer or gift cards—use secure methods like PayPal’s “Goods and Services” feature for buyer protection.

3. Misleading QR Codes

   Scammers have turned to “quishing”—a technique using QR codes to direct victims to fake websites or install malware. These codes can appear on parking meters, in emails, or even in mysterious packages.

Example Scam:
A scammer posing as your bank might send you an email with a QR code asking you to update your login details. Since QR codes are images, they can bypass spam filters that catch malicious links.

How to Stay Safe:

• Don’t scan QR codes you receive unexpectedly.
• Inspect QR codes in public places for signs of tampering.
• When in doubt, go directly to the organization’s website or contact them through official channels.

3 Quick Tips for Safe Black Friday Shopping

1. Stick to Trusted Retailers: Type the store’s website address directly into your browser instead of clicking random ads or links.
2. Spot the Signs of a Scam: Be wary of spelling mistakes, strange domain names, and deals that are too good to be true.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods: Credit cards and platforms like PayPal offer better fraud protection than bank transfers or debit cards.

Bonus Tip: Watch Out for Phishing Emails
Scammers send fake order confirmations or shipping updates during the holiday season to trick you into clicking malicious links. Always verify emails by checking the sender’s address and cross-referencing the order on the retailer’s official website.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be a great time to save, but it’s also a big opportunity for scammers.  By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy your shopping experience while keeping your personal and financial information safe.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends and family to help them shop safely this season.

Stay informed, stay safe, and happy shopping!

Found this article useful?

Remember to share it with your family & friends.