When you see a great Black Friday deal, it’s tempting to click buy now, before it sells out, and think later.
Scammers know this and will be looking for new victims during the Black Friday sales. This year’s Black Friday takes place on 27 November.
Although there are a lot of genuine discounts on offer during Black Friday, fraudsters use the sales as an opportunity to catch you out while you’re rushing to bag a bargain.
Here are a few of the most common scams to look out for:
- fake shopping websites
- emails
- text messages
- social media adverts
- fake retailer accounts
- fake payment or account verification requests
- fake delivery messages
There are some warning signs to look out for:
- an unfamiliar or suspicious URL
- missing or incomplete retailer information
- prices that seem unusually low
- poor-quality or copied website content
- unusual payment requests
- pressure to pay quickly
It’s usually safe to shop in Black Friday sales. A lot of legitimate retailers will share discount codes or money off during November. However, scammers will use this as an opportunity to try and make money. Always double check that you’re on the correct website and avoid clicking links in messages or on adverts if you can.
Read the blog post on the MoneyHelper website: Black Friday scams: how to shop safely | MoneyHelper.
Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, and damage reputation. Read the Business Wales Cyber Security Advice and Support page to find out how to protect your business from a cyber attack.