10 Black Friday & Cyber Monday shopping safety tips

Black Friday is known for big discounts and big crowds. Whether you’re braving the stores or scoring deals from your couch, safety should always come first. Families can avoid common risks like theft and scams by preparing ahead. Here are 10 practical ways to make Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) shopping safe, stress-free, and even educational for kids.

5 tips for in-store Black Friday shopping

If you’re heading out to the mall or shopping center on Black Friday, follow these tips for a stress-free and safe experience. 

Plan ahead to avoid chaos

Stores often open early and draw huge crowds. Choose your shopping times carefully — early mornings may be busy, but late nights can also pose risks. If possible, go during mid-day when foot traffic is lighter. Share your plan with family members so no one gets lost or separated.

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Stay together and alert

If kids join the trip, set clear rules: stay close, no running off, and pick a meeting spot in case of separation. Remind teens to keep earbuds out and phones down while moving through crowds. For younger kids, consider writing your phone number on a wristband or slip of paper in their pocket.

Keep your valuables secure

Pickpocketing is more common in crowded spaces. Use crossbody bags or money belts, keep wallets in front pockets, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If your family uses debit cards for kids, like Greenlight, they’ll have safer ways to spend without carrying cash.

Watch for parking lot risks

Most holiday shopping accidents happen in parking lots. Stick to well-lit areas, park near entrances, and keep bags out of sight. If you’re carrying multiple purchases, make a quick trip home rather than leaving valuables in your car.

Limit distractions

Long lines and big crowds can be overwhelming. Avoid juggling too many bags or phones, and keep conversations focused when moving through crowded areas. Staying attentive lowers the risk of accidents or theft.

5 tips for Cyber Monday safety

Keeping the deal shopping going through Cyber Monday? Follow these cyber smart tips to protect yourself online. 

Shop only on secure websites

Look for “https://” in URLs and trusted retailers. Avoid clicking on links in suspicious emails or pop-ups. Encourage your kids and teens to ask before downloading apps or entering any payment information online.

Protect your devices

Scammers target families during the holiday rush. Update your devices with the latest security patches, use strong passwords, and consider multi-factor authentication for online shopping accounts. Tools like Greenlight Family Shield offer financial account monitoring, suspicious activity alerts,* and up to $1 million in identity theft coverage** to help protect your family online.

Use safe payment methods

Stick with debit or credit cards instead of wire transfers or gift cards for purchases. These methods often offer stronger fraud protection. For teens who are learning to shop online, consider setting spending limits to help them practice safe money management.

Avoid oversharing personal details

Create separate emails for shopping, and never share sensitive information unless absolutely necessary. Teach kids and teens how to recognize when sites are asking for too much personal data.

Double-check deals before buying

If a discount looks too good to be true, it usually is. Compare prices across a few retailers and be cautious with unfamiliar websites. This helps avoid scams and keeps your money safe.

Wrapping up the season safely

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be hectic, but having a clear plan can help keep your family safe. Stay alert in stores, shop securely online, and keep the focus on enjoying the season together.

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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.