Black Friday is that magical time of the year when we sit back, relax, and watch our wallets shrink. Discounts everywhere. The sales get bigger, the crowds go wild, and apparently, so do the scammers.
Yes, while you’re eyeing that 75% off deal on the latest gadget, someone else might be eyeing your credit card details.
Now, before you give up on snagging that perfect deal, let’s take a stroll through the minefield of scams. Stick with me here, and we’ll make sure your Black Friday ends with a full cart—and not a fraud report.
6 Common Black Friday Scams to Watch Out For
1. Fake Websites and Lookalike Domains
First up, the granddaddy of scams: fake websites. It’s 2024, and scammers have upped their game to an impressive (and terrifying) level.
According to ExpressVPN’s guide, scammers often create fake websites that mimic real retailers, tricking you into handing over personal details and payment information without a second thought.
These aren’t your basic knockoff sites from the early 2000s. These websites can look almost identical to the real deal, like Walmart or Amazon.
They’ll tweak the URL—something like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”—and slap on the same logo, layout, and design to trick you.
The problem? You happily punch in your credit card info, and instead of scoring that sweet discount, you just handed over your details to some faceless scammer.
2. Bait and Switch Scams
We all love a bargain, right? But when you see a $1,000 laptop going for $50, you’ve got to ask yourself: Is this a doorbuster deal or just a busted door?
The bait and switch is a classic. Scammers tempt you with jaw-dropping prices, but what you end up getting is either a low-quality knockoff or, my personal favorite, nothing at all.
Sure, it’s tempting, but unless the retailer is reputable, those “too good to be true” offers often end with a frustrated customer and an empty package.
3. Fake Subscription Services and Hidden Fees
Imagine buying a product, only to realize later that you’ve been signed up for a monthly subscription you never agreed to.
Some scams lure you in with what seems like a one-time purchase, but then they hit you with recurring fees that you didn’t see coming. That’s right, your shiny new gadget comes with a side of never-ending payments. Not what you want.
4. Phishing Emails and Texts
We’ve all gotten those emails or texts: “You’ve won a $500 gift card! Click here to claim!” Or, “Your package is delayed, please confirm your delivery.” Seems legit, right? Not so much.
These messages are phishing scams designed to steal your personal info or infect your device with malware. They know how to play on your excitement and fear.
5. Fake Product Reviews
Scammers don’t just stop at shady websites—they’ve infiltrated the review section too. Fake product reviews are a powerful tool for making low-quality items look like the best thing since sliced bread.
It’s hard to spot at first because, on the surface, everything looks perfect. But when reviews sound overly polished or suspiciously similar, it’s time to hit pause.
6. Social Media Scams
Instagram ads, Facebook marketplace—social media is filled with quick-deal promises and tempting “limited-time” offers. But scammers are all over these platforms.
Fake accounts, non-existent products, and deals that disappear after payment are common. And guess what? That refund is nowhere to be found.
6 Best Practices to Stay Safe While Shopping
Now that you’re aware of the bad guys lurking out there, let’s talk about how to keep yourself from falling into their traps. It’s easier than you think.
1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
We’ve all been there—sitting in a café, scrolling through deals, and thinking, “Why not buy that jacket right now?” Public Wi-Fi is practically a buffet for hackers. If you’re shopping on an open network, you’re asking for trouble.
2. Stick to Trusted Retailers
These were the 20 best-selling items on @amazon according to YOU, our shoppers: https://t.co/MWyuI2v14k
How many of these deals did you pick up? pic.twitter.com/zI0pHBXw6i
— Black Friday (@blackfridayinfo) November 30, 2019
It’s tempting to wander into unknown territory with flashy new websites, but Black Friday isn’t the time to gamble.
Go with the tried-and-true retailers. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other established names are your safest bets.
If you must venture into unknown waters, research the retailer first. Check out reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot before throwing your credit card into the void.
3. Use Secure Payment Methods
If a retailer insists on wire transfers, gift cards, or any other funky payment method, that’s a flashing neon warning sign.
Stick to credit cards or PayPal, which have strong fraud protections. At least if something goes wrong, you’ll have a much easier time getting your money back.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is your best friend when it comes to online shopping security. Even if your password gets swiped, 2FA adds a second layer of protection.
You might roll your eyes at the extra step, but trust me, it’s worth the minor inconvenience.
5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Even with all these precautions, you’re not completely immune. Things happen.
Make it a habit to regularly check your bank and credit card statements. Look for any charges that seem out of place, and if something looks fishy, report it immediately.
6. Keep Software and Devices Updated
Old software equals easy targets for scammers. Keeping your devices up to date is one of the simplest ways to block new scams from reaching you.
If the idea of constant updates sounds exhausting, just enable automatic updates. Let the software do the work.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a Scam
So, let’s say, worst-case scenario—you get scammed. Now what? Don’t panic. There are steps you can take to minimize the damage and maybe even recover your losses.
1. Contact Your Bank
Call your bank or credit card company immediately and let them know what happened.
They’ll freeze your account to prevent further transactions, and you can dispute the fraudulent charges. If you act quickly, there’s a good chance you’ll get your money back.
2. Change Your Passwords
If your account got hacked, change your passwords for any online shopping or financial sites right away.
Make them strong—no more “password123.” Consider using a password manager to handle the complexity for you.
3. Report the Scam
You may want to forget the whole thing, but reporting the scam is important. Not only can it help authorities track down the scammer, but it could prevent others from falling victim.
In the U.S., you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Concluding Thoughts
Black Friday scams may have become more sophisticated, but so have the ways to avoid them. Keeping your wits about you is key.
Stick to the basics—trusted retailers, secure payments, strong passwords—and don’t fall for those too-good-to-be-true offers. Are the deals worth chasing? They’ll still be there, even if you take a moment to check for scams.
