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No doubt Black Friday has become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year. On every November, millions of shoppers rush online as well as offline to grab the best deals on items like electronics, clothing, home appliances, fashion products and many more. Black Friday 2025 is no different. However, with the excitement of huge discounts comes a serious risk such as online scams and fraudulent offers.
On Black Friday shopping event, cybercriminals often take advantage of the shopping madness to trick unsuspecting shoppers into giving away personal information, banking details, or paying for products that never arrive. Understanding how to spot genuine deals and protecting yourself is more important than anything else.
Over the years, Black Friday scams have evolved alongside e-commerce. Fake websites mimicking real brands, phishing emails claiming exclusive discounts, and fraudulent social media ads are common. Scammers often use urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO) tactics, encouraging shoppers to make quick purchases without verifying authenticity. These scams can result in financial loss, identity theft, and long term damage to your credit.
According to consumer protection authorities, Black Friday sees a significant spike in online fraud every year. In 2024, millions of dollars were lost to fake deals, with electronics, fashion, and high value gift cards being the most targeted items. Black Friday 2025 is expected to see similar trends, making it essential for shoppers to be very cautious.
Before making any purchase, verify the seller’s website or platform. Look for proper contact information, HTTPS encryption in the URL, and official branding. Genuine retailers usually have consistent branding, verified social media profiles, and trustworthy customer reviews. Avoid unknown websites or new platforms offering unusually high discounts.
A common trick used by scammers is inflating the original price of an item to make the discount look bigger than it actually is. Before clicking “Buy Now,” compare prices on multiple reputable platforms. Remember: if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Genuine retailers usually offer discounts on selective items, whereas fake sellers often advertise massive discounts on lots of items to lure buyers.
Genuine deals provide clear return policies, shipping details, and warranty information. Scammers often skip these details or make them confusing to discourage buyers from requesting refunds. Take the time to read and ensure your purchase is secure.
Phishing emails are a common method scammers use during Black Friday. Emails claiming “exclusive” or “secret” deals may lead to fake websites designed to steal your login or payment information. Always navigate directly to the official retailer’s website rather than clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media posts.
Avoid direct bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments when shopping online, as these methods are often used in scams and offer no recourse. Instead, credit cards, PayPal, and other secure payment services provide buyer protection in case of fraud.
User reviews on reputable platforms can help verify the legitimacy of a website or a deal. Be cautious if reviews are overly positive without details or seem copied from other websites. Platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and verified social media comments are good sources.
A secure checkout process is a must. Look for a padlock symbol in the address bar and HTTPS in the website URL. Avoid websites that request unusual personal information beyond what’s necessary for purchase and delivery.
Always check third party reviews on reputable platforms like ScamAdviser, De-Reviews, Scam-Detector, and other trusted sites before making a purchase.
Scammers often set up websites mimicking popular brands or platforms. They display attractive deals to lure shoppers into making purchases. After payment, the product may never arrive, or the website may disappear entirely.
Emails or SMS messages claiming “special Black Friday deals” can contain links to fake websites. Clicking these links may lead to malware installation or theft of personal and financial information.
Fraudulent ads on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok may promise unbelievable discounts. They often direct users to fake websites. Check the advertiser’s profile, number of followers, and credibility before clicking any links.
Scammers may ask shoppers to purchase gift cards for exclusive deals or discounts. Once the gift card code is shared, the scammer redeems it, leaving the buyer with nothing.
During Black Friday, scammers often lure shoppers with fake subscriptions or “exclusive membership” offers that promise discounts or early access. Free trials can secretly turn into paid plans, and VIP programs may charge money without delivering any benefits.
Some scammers exploit online marketplaces or auction sites, listing high demand items at suspiciously low prices. These deals are often bait for phishing attempts or non-existent products.
Impersonate scams occur when fraudsters pose as well-known brands, retailers, or even customer support representatives to trick shoppers. They use fake emails, websites, or social media accounts to steal personal and payment information.
Research deals before Black Friday. Find out about the platforms before you trust and purchase from them. Sign up for official newsletters and follow verified social media channels of reputable retailers. Avoid last minute, impulsive purchases from unknown sellers.
Protect accounts on shopping platforms and email by enabling 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security and helps prevent unauthorized access if your credentials are compromised. Make sure your devices have updated antivirus software and strong passwords.
Regularly check bank and credit card statements for unusual transactions. Report suspicious activity immediately to your bank.
Familiarize yourself with common scam tactics. Consumer protection websites often publish lists of active scams and provide tips for safe shopping.
Ensure that your devices have updated antivirus and anti-malware software. Many scams involve malware installation to steal personal information.
If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to your bank, payment service, and consumer protection authorities. This not only helps you but also protects other shoppers.
Shopping on public Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it can expose your financial information to hackers. Always use a secure, private network when entering sensitive details like credit card numbers.
Black Friday 2025 offers an opportunity to grab genuine discounts, but it requires vigilance. With the rise of AI and digital technology, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using fake websites, phishing emails, and social media fraud to trick unsuspecting shoppers.
By verifying websites, comparing prices, reading policies, and using secure payment methods, you can enjoy the shopping event safely.
Staying informed, planning purchases, and exercising caution can save you from financial loss and identity theft.
This Black Friday, shop smart, protect your information, and enjoy real deals without falling victim to scams.
