Black Friday Safety: Expert Tips to Avoid Scams

November 20, 2024 Dominic Lill

As Black Friday approaches, shoppers across the globe gear up to snag incredible deals. This annual shopping frenzy is the perfect opportunity to grab discounts, kick off holiday shopping, and indulge in irresistible bargains. However, with attention-grabbing savings comes the risk of falling prey to scams. Cybercriminals know that consumers are more likely to take risks during sales events, making Black Friday a prime time for fraudulent activities.

To help you shop safely, Marco Farnararo, CEO and Co-Founder of BravoVoucher.co.uk, shares crucial advice on spotting and avoiding scams. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Beware of Fake Websites

Scammers often create counterfeit websites that mimic popular retailers to trick unsuspecting shoppers. These sites offer deals that seem too good to be true, but the consequences can be dire—ranging from counterfeit goods to stolen money with no product delivery.

How to Identify Legitimate Websites:

Look for “https” in the URL, which indicates a secure connection.
Avoid entering payment information on sites without this prefix.
Log in to your account with the retailer to ensure you’re on the official website.
If you don’t have an account, create one through the retailer’s verified website to confirm its legitimacy.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts

Phishing scams use fake emails and texts to impersonate trusted brands, offering enticing discounts to lure you in. These messages often direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Signs of a Phishing Attempt:

Spelling errors or unusual characters in URLs (e.g., “g00gle.com”).
Generic salutations like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Urgency to act quickly, pressuring you to click a link or provide information.

Always verify links before clicking, and if in doubt, navigate to the retailer’s official website directly instead of following the provided link.

3. Watch Out for Social Media Scams

Social media platforms are rife with fraudulent giveaways, fake discount codes, and counterfeit ads. Scammers often use these tactics to redirect you to insecure websites or steal your personal data.

How to Stay Safe:

Verify the legitimacy of social media accounts posting offers.
Avoid entering personal information to claim prizes or discounts.
Stick to retailers and websites you trust.

4. Fake Order Confirmations

Another common scam involves fraudulent order confirmation emails. These messages can appear to come from legitimate retailers and often include alarming language to prompt quick action.

Key Red Flags:

The email references items you didn’t purchase.
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
Obvious grammatical errors or unusual product details.

If you suspect an order confirmation is fake, avoid clicking any links. Instead, log in to your account on the retailer’s official website to verify the order’s authenticity.

5. Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

Shopping on public networks poses significant risks, as these connections often lack security, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data.

Secure Shopping Tips:

Use your mobile data or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for transactions.
Wait until you’re on a secure home network to make purchases.

Shop Smart, Stay Safe

Marco Farnararo emphasises that while Black Friday is an exciting time for shoppers, caution is key. He advises:

“Some scams may appear obvious, but if an offer seems too good to be true, even from a source you trust, it probably is. Always double-check before entering personal or financial information. No deal is worth risking your security.”

This Black Friday, enjoy the thrill of finding great deals—but remember to shop smart and prioritise your online safety. By following these tips, you can navigate the sales with confidence and protect yourself from scams.

Happy shopping!