Black Friday is just around the corner! As we gear up for the holiday shopping season, it’s important to remember that scammers are just as ready as we are. They’re setting traps with fake ads, emails, and websites, hoping to trick shoppers out of their money and personal information.
Don’t let these scams ruin your holiday cheer. That’s why we’ve highlighted four common scams to watch out for this Black Friday, along with simple tips to protect yourself.
Let’s dive in!
1. Scam Ads on Social Media
Social media is packed with ads for deals during this time of year, but some are designed to scam you.
- Example: Fake ads claiming to offer 80% off The North Face merchandise have been circulating.
- Red Flag: If a deal seems way too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
- Stay Safe: Instead of clicking on the ad, go to the retailer’s official website directly.
2. Fake Websites
Scammers create websites that look like popular retailers to steal your information or infect your device.
- Example: Fake websites like “northfacedeals.shop” and “northfacecoat.shop” pretend to be The North Face.
- Red Flag: The web address doesn’t match the retailer’s real website (e.g., thenorthface.com).
- Stay Safe: Always double-check the website address and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
3. Gift Card Scams
Gift cards are a favorite tool for scammers because they can’t be tracked or refunded once used.
- Example: A fake email pretending to be from Sam’s Club offers a $100 gift card for filling out a survey.
- Red Flag: Offers of free gift cards for little effort.
- Stay Safe: Only buy gift cards directly from stores or their official websites.
4. Fake Delivery Alerts
Scammers send fake messages about delivery problems to trick you into giving away personal information.
- Example: A text message claims a package is being held and includes a link to “resolve” the issue.
- Red Flag: Messages without proper tracking numbers or from unknown senders.
- Stay Safe: Use the tracking numbers from your original purchase to check the status of your delivery. Ignore unexpected messages.
Easy Tips to Protect Yourself
- Be Cautious of Deals: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Shop Smart: Use official websites and trusted retailers.
- Check Before You Click: Avoid clicking on random ads, links, or emails.
- Watch Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card activity.
This Black Friday, shop with confidence and stay one step ahead of scammers. By staying alert and following these tips, you can keep your holiday season merry and safe!
