Black Friday is an exciting time for bargain hunters, with retailers offering incredible deals both online and in-store. However, amidst the rush to snag the best discounts, cybercriminals are also gearing up to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.

To ensure your Black Friday shopping experience is not only enjoyable but also safe, it’s essential to stay vigilant against scams and fraud. Here’s your ultimate guide to protecting yourself this shopping season.

Watch out for phishing emails and fake websites

During Black Friday, your inbox might overflow with promotional emails promising unbeatable deals. Unfortunately, not all of these are genuine. Scammers often send phishing emails that mimic well-known brands, urging you to click on links or share personal information.

Top tip: always verify the sender’s email address by hovering over the address; if the name and email address don't quite match up, it could be a sign of a scam. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, as these can allow scammers to gain access to your information or deliver viruses and malware to your device.

Instead, visit the retailer’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser. If the deal is legitimate, then it won't just be in an email, but on the site too. If the deal isn't advertised on the brand's official site, then the email you were sent could be a scam. 

Shop on secure websites

When shopping online, always check that the website is secure. Look for "https://" at the beginning of the web address, as the ‘s’ stands for ‘secure.’ Additionally, a small padlock symbol near the address bar indicates a secure connection.

Avoid websites with poor design, multiple pop-ups, or strange domain names. These could be signs of a fake or unsecured site. While Black Friday is a great time to find new deals, it's important not to let the rush-buying trip you up. Take extra time and care to verify any new websites, or choose to only shop from sites you know and trust from previous purchases. 

Use safe payment methods

When it comes to payment, not all methods offer the same level of security. Credit cards and trusted payment services like PayPal provide better protection than wire transfers or prepaid cards. They often include fraud prevention features and the ability to dispute charges if necessary.

Top tip: avoid saving your card details on unfamiliar websites. While it may seem to save you time when purchasing, it could compromise the security of your payment details. Instead, use a secure payment gateway or a digital wallet.

Keep your software up-to-date

Updating your computer, smartphone, and antivirus software is a crucial step in protecting yourself from malware and cyber threats. Security updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

Top tip: enabling automatic updates on your devices can keep you protected without the need to remember to update your software manually. Alternatively, setting a calendar reminder to ensure your software is updated before Black Friday can make shopping for deals and the holiday season more secure.

Verify discounts and promotions

It’s easy to get drawn into flashy advertisements showcasing massive discounts. Before making a purchase, cross-check the deal on the retailer’s official website or through reputable deal comparison sites. This can help you avoid counterfeit offers.

Be careful of websites offering products at prices far below market value, especially if they request unconventional payment methods. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. 

Monitor your bank statements

Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements can help you spot unauthorised transactions quickly. Many banking apps also offer instant transaction notifications, so you can act fast if something looks suspicious.

Top tip: report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately to mitigate potential losses.

Stay informed about scams

New scams emerge all the time, and staying informed is one of the best defences against them. Follow consumer protection agencies and credible news sources to stay up to date on the latest fraud trends and tactics.

The more you know about common scams, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid them.

Shop smart, stay safe

Black Friday can be a fantastic opportunity to save money, but a bit of caution can go a long way. By following these tips, you can shop with confidence, knowing your personal and financial information is secure. Happy shopping and stay safe!