Don’t let Black Friday scammers steal your Christmas cheer
It’s Black Friday this week and with email inboxes and social media feeds filling up with ‘too good to miss’ offers, online shoppers are being urged to stay sharp and protect themselves from a seasonal surge in scams.
The nationwide Stop! Think Fraud campaign offers trusted, straight-talking advice on how to stay safe online. And it arrives at the right moment: when millions are hunting for bargains — and fraudsters know it.
Last year, scammers helped themselves to more than £11.8m during the festive shopping season alone. Their tactics are depressingly familiar: countdown timers that crank up the pressure, fake claims of low-stock items, and messages designed to make you act fast before you’ve had time to think. All of it aimed at nudging you into handing over money or personal details.
But there’s good news. A few simple steps can make a huge difference.
How to stay safe during Black Friday
Make sure the shop is legit
Before you click “buy now”, check reviews on trusted websites. If something feels off, it probably is.
Lock down your key accounts
Turn on two-step verification (2SV) wherever possible. It adds an instant layer of protection even if your password ever leaks.
Check out securely
Avoid storing card details on websites. Never pay by direct bank transfer for online shopping. If you can, use a credit card or trusted payment service and check what protection they offer.
Watch out for delivery scams
Texts or calls about missed parcels remain one of the most common cons. If you weren’t expecting a delivery, treat the message with suspicion. Don’t click on any links — go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
If you spot a suspicious email, text or fake shop, you can report it directly to the National Cyber Security Centre, which works behind the scenes to block malicious sites and take them down.
Staying alert now can save a lot of heartbreak later – and help make sure the only surprises you get this Christmas are the good kind.