Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Safety Tips: Avoid Online Scams and Shop Securely

Key Takeaways:

• Watch out for phishing emails, smishing texts, and fraudulent websites during Black Friday and the holiday season.

• Verify websites, look for HTTPS, and check seller credibility before entering payment info.

• Use secure payment methods like credit cards or virtual cards, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and avoid counterfeit products.

   

Black Friday and the holiday shopping season are here—a time when inboxes fill with promo codes, social feeds flood with “limited-time offers,” and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. While the deals can be tempting, this is also peak season for online shopping scams and cybercriminal activity. From phishing emails to fraudulent websites, hackers are looking to exploit shoppers rushing to catch the best bargains.

This is the perfect reminder: staying alert and following safe online shopping practices is key to protecting your personal and financial information. For official guidance, the FTC offers a helpful overview of safe holiday shopping practices. Here’s a guide to help you shop securely this Black Friday and throughout the holiday season.

1. Spot Phishing Emails and Fake Communications

Phishing emails are one of the most common holiday scams. Cybercriminals mimic legitimate retailers, shipping companies, and service providers to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.

Red flags to watch for:

• Emails offering “exclusive Black Friday deals” or urgent offers that push you to act immediately.

• Notifications about orders you didn’t place or invoices you don’t recognize.

• Slightly misspelled domains or sender addresses (e.g., amaz0n-support.com).

• Attachments claiming to contain receipts, order details, or shipping updates.

• Requests to update payment methods or account credentials.

Safe online shopping tips for emails:

• Hover over links before clicking to verify the URL.

• Go directly to the retailer’s website instead of using email links.

• Delete unexpected attachments.

• Learn to identify scams—the FTC offers guidance on recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks. 

Example: An email claiming a software subscription has a “Black Friday discount” should always be verified by logging into the account directly—not via the email link.

2. Verify Websites Before Entering Payment Information

Fraudulent websites that mimic popular retailers or suppliers are another common threat. These sites exist to steal credit card information or install malware.

Key website verification steps:

• Look for HTTPS encryption and a padlock icon.

• Confirm the domain name is correct.

• Check for clear contact information and return policies.

• Be skeptical of deals that are far below market price.

Safe online shopping practices:

• Bookmark trusted retailers and suppliers to avoid typing errors.

• Avoid clicking links from ads or emails.

• Use trust indicators like reviews, verified accounts, and Better Business Bureau resources.

Example: A website offering a $1,200 laptop for $79 is almost certainly fraudulent or selling a counterfeit product.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods and Strengthen Account Security

The way you pay is just as important as where you shop. Safe online shopping relies on secure payment methods and strong account protections.

Recommended practices:

• Use credit cards, which offer the strongest fraud protection.

• Consider virtual card numbers for one-time purchases.

• Avoid direct bank transfers or peer-to-peer payment apps unless the seller is verified.

• Don’t store payment information on rarely used websites.

Account security tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all online shopping accounts.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.

• Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites, especially banking or retail accounts.

• For more guidance on securing accounts and payments, see Visa’s holiday shopping fraud prevention tips.

Example: A frequent online shopper should enable MFA on Amazon, PayPal, and any subscription services to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Holiday sales often include deals that seem unbelievable—but that’s exactly what scammers rely on.

Red flags of scam deals:

• Extremely low prices far below normal retail.

• Social media ads from unknown accounts.

• Sellers with no reviews or unclear policies.

• Pressure to act immediately.

• Requests to pay through untraceable methods.

Counterfeit products are common during the holiday season and often carry hidden risks, including malware or security vulnerabilities. For tips on spotting counterfeit products, Consumer Reports offers a practical guide.

Example: An ad for heavily discounted networking equipment from an unfamiliar seller should be treated with caution to avoid security risks.

5. Shop Safely on the Go and Avoid Smishing Scams

Many people shop from phones or laptops while traveling, but public Wi-Fi and smishing (SMS phishing) pose serious risks.

Public Wi-Fi dangers:

• Hackers can intercept payment and login information.

• Fake Wi-Fi networks can collect your data.

Safe practices:

• Use cellular data instead of public Wi-Fi.

• If Wi-Fi is necessary, use a VPN.

• Keep your operating system and apps updated.

Smishing scams:

• Texts claiming a package is delayed or requires payment.

• Links promoting holiday deals with shortened URLs.

• Messages from unknown numbers asking to “confirm” account information.

Tip: Delete suspicious messages and navigate directly to official apps or websites.

6. Respond Quickly if Compromised

Even the most careful shoppers can make mistakes. Acting quickly is essential.

Steps to take:

• Change passwords immediately.

• Contact your bank or credit card provider to flag suspicious activity.

• Enable MFA on affected accounts.

• Run antivirus or endpoint scans on devices.

• Monitor recent transactions and pause automatic payments if needed.

For official reporting, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) allows you to report suspected online fraud and scams.

Shop Smart, Shop Secure

Black Friday and the holiday season are full of opportunities - but also potential risks. Following these safe online shopping practices helps you avoid online shopping scams, secure your accounts, and take advantage of deals with confidence.

From spotting phishing emails to verifying websites, using secure payment methods, and practicing public Wi-Fi caution, a little vigilance goes a long way. For additional guidance on staying secure whether it's online shopping or protecting your business, your personal and financial information year-round, Proper Sky is here to help. Stay safe, shop smart, and enjoy the savings this holiday season.