How to avoid Black Friday scams (without spoiling the fun)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for deals and scammers. Black Friday may bring massive markdowns, but it also invites cybercriminals hoping to cash in on the frenzy.

From fake websites to phishing emails, these scams are getting smarter. But so are we. With a few savvy steps, you can score the savings and stay safe.

That’s why it's worth thinking ahead — not just about what to buy, but how to protect your family while you shop. Let’s break down the biggest scams to watch for and how to steer clear of them.

Common Black Friday scams to watch for

1. Phony retail websites

Fake online stores pop up every holiday season, often mimicking real brands with lookalike URLs and logos. They may advertise too-good-to-be-true deals and vanish after you make a payment.

How to spot it:

• Look closely at the website URL. Misspellings and unfamiliar domains are red flags.

• Stick with retailers you know, or research unfamiliar ones before buying.

• Make sure the site uses HTTPS (look for the lock icon in the address bar).

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2. Fake shipping notifications

You get a text or email about a delayed package, complete with a tracking link. But click it, and you could hand over personal info to scammers.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t click links from unknown or unexpected senders.

• Visit the retailer or shipping company’s site directly to check your order.

• Watch for awkward language or strange sender addresses.

3. Social media giveaway scams

A brand offers a free product or gift card, and all you have to do is click a link or share your info. It looks legit, but it’s often a scammer trying to grab your personal information.

What to do instead:

• Be cautious of giveaways that ask for payment or too much info.

• Look for a verified checkmark on social media.

• When in doubt, go to the official website.

4. QR code cons

Criminals can print and place fake QR codes in public places or on ads (this is known as quishing). When scanned, these codes could lead to malicious websites designed to steal your info.

Be cautious of:

• QR codes on random flyers or posters.

• Scanners that don’t preview the link before opening.

5. Overpayment and refund scams

If you're selling items this season, beware. Scammers may "accidentally" overpay and request a refund, but their original payment never goes through.

Avoid it by:

• Waiting until payments clear before refunding anything.

• Sticking to trusted marketplaces with seller protections.

Quick ways to tell if it's a scam

Before you buy or click, check for these red flags:

• Pressure to act immediately

• Spelling or grammar errors

• Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto

• No contact info or customer support

• Prices that seem way too good to be true

If something feels off, trust your gut and back away.

Built-in protection for your wallet (and peace of mind)

Use smart digital tools like Greenlight to protect your wallet during the holiday season (and beyond!). Select Greenlight plans — including Max, Infinity, and Family Shield — offer two key layers of added safety during the holiday rush:

• Identity theft protection* with up to $1 million in coverage for eligible expenses**

• Purchase protection for lost, stolen, or damaged items bought with your Greenlight card

Other smart tools that offer extra protection

Want an extra layer of defense? These tools can help:

• Browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere or Privacy Badger add extra security.

• Fraud alerts from your bank or credit card can catch suspicious activity.

• Parental controls can help filter unsafe sites for younger shoppers.

Talk to your kids and teens about online safety

Scammers often target younger shoppers with flashy deals or gaming offers. That’s why it’s important to have a conversation before they click.

Help your kids think through questions like:

• What would you do if a site asked for your payment info unexpectedly?

• Can a deal be too good to be true?

• What payment methods are safest to use?

Safe shopping = happy holidays

Black Friday is meant to be fun, not frustrating. By staying alert and talking to your family about online safety, you can protect your wallet and make the most of the deals.

Happy (and scam-free) shopping!

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

*Premium monitoring services are offered by Experian.

**Insurance offered by Acrisure, LLC is provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S.-based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. www.chubb.com. Additional details can be viewed here. See link for policy information. Insurance Products are not insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency and are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, any bank or bank affiliate.