Beware of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams

3 Min. Read

The holidays should feel merry, not risky. But as online shopping surges around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, scammers see an opportunity to cash in. Fake websites, misleading ads, phony delivery alerts, and gift card scams are all designed to steal your money or your identity before you even finish checking out.

With a little diligence and awareness, you can shop smart and stay safe during the holidays. Here, we’re covering the most common holiday shopping scams to watch out for, and what you can do to avoid them.

The Most Common Holiday Shopping Scams

Holiday scammers rely on a bag full of tricks. They use technology (and the excitement of the season) to make their scams feel urgent, trustworthy, and convincing. Be on the lookout for:

Social Media Ads

‘Tis the season for shopping on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Your feed may be full of jaw-dropping deals, limited-time offers, and must-have gadgets, but some ads link to fake retailers that send poor-quality goods—or nothing at all.

Website Spoofing

Scammers have become sophisticated at creating websites that mimic your favorite retailer, making it easy to be tricked. Before you click “Add to cart,” take a close look at the URL to ensure the retailer’s name is spelled correctly and it’s a site you trust.

 Shipping Scams and Fake Delivery Alerts

If you’re like many online shoppers, you’re expecting a flurry of packages in the weeks ahead. Watch out for texts from scammers posing as USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon. These messages claim difficulty delivering a package, but they’re really trying to convince you to click a link or share personal information. That could give them access to your accounts or download malware to your devices.

Learn more about “smishing” and scam messages in our blog, Spotting and Stopping Spam Texts.

Gift Card Scams

Not all holiday shopping scams happen online. Another popular scam called gift card draining occurs when scammers tamper with cards in store, capturing the numbers before they’re purchased. Once the card is activated, they drain the funds before the recipient can use them. Inspect gift card packaging closely and choose cards stored behind counters when possible.

Bait and Switch Scams

Holiday contests promising luxury prizes may just be bait to collect your personal information. Always confirm sweepstakes are legitimate through official websites or verified retailers before you enter.

“Secret Shopper” and Work-From-Home Scams

Some scammers advertise opportunities to earn extra income over the holidays, then request upfront fees or personal information. Remember: legitimate jobs never ask you to pay to get hired.

Tip: What are the most popular types of online scams? Check out our blog on Common Scams and Types of Fraud to learn about all the ways fraudsters operate.

How to Avoid Holiday Scams

A few smart habits can go a long way to protect your money, identity, and devices this season. When you’re shopping online, always:

Beware of “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Deals

If the price seems unbelievable, it probably is. Before buying, search for the product directly on the retailer’s website to confirm the deal.

 Shop with Retailers You Trust

Stick with well-known stores or verified small businesses. If you haven’t shopped there before, search for online reviews outside of the seller’s website.

Think Before You Click

Avoid clicking on links in emails or text messages, even if they appear to come from retailers you trust. Instead, navigate directly to the supposed sender’s site and log in to your account.

Check the URL

Verify the websites you’re shopping on are legitimate and secure by checking the URL. Look for “https” in the web address and a padlock icon, and be wary of spelling errors, extra symbols, or unfamiliar domains.

 Use Secure Payment Methods

Credit cards and digital wallets (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) offer better fraud protection than using your debit card or wire transfers.

 Monitor Your Accounts

Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card accounts during the holidays. Watch for unfamiliar activity and report any unauthorized charges right away.

File a Report to Help Fight Fraud

Reporting fraud, scams, and bad business practices can help keep everyone safe. If you suspect fraud or you’re afraid you’ve become a victim, file a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Tip: According to the FTC, the number of cybercriminals is growing. Learn how to protect your personal information with our blog on How to Stay Safe from Scammers and Identity Thieves.

Marine Credit Union: Keeping You Safe from Scams

At Marine Credit Union, we’re here to help you protect yourself from fraud and identity theft. Explore our Security & Identity Theft resources to learn how to stay safe during the holidays and all year long.

And remember: the best protection is always prevention. With a little caution and the right knowledge, you can shop safely online so your holidays stay joyful and worry-free.