Benny Morgan
Karla Spencer
🔑 Key Takeaway: As Black Friday 2025 approaches, phishing attacks have surged 692%, with cybercriminals using AI-powered scams to steal millions—learn the 10 most dangerous scams and how to protect yourself.
This year’s Black Friday season is unlike any before it. While consumers anticipate record-breaking deals, cybercriminals are preparing their most sophisticated attack arsenal yet. The numbers paint a sobering picture: phishing attacks have exploded by 692% compared to early November, while scam websites surged 89% year-over-year. Worse still, online shopping fraud remains the second most common fraud type, with over 380,000 reports resulting in $432 million in losses in 2024.
The shift toward artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the threat landscape. Scammers no longer rely on obvious misspellings or amateurish design—they’re now using AI to analyze your social media, predict your shopping habits, and create personalized phishing messages that feel genuine. With 45% of holiday shoppers expected to face cyberattacks in 2025, compared to 40% in 2023, the stakes have never been higher.
The 10 Most Common Black Friday Scams
1. Fake Online Stores
What it is: Scammers clone legitimate retailer websites down to the logo, product photos, and URLs—except for subtle misspellings or lookalike domain names designed to fool you.
Red flags to watch:
- URLs with one-letter changes (bestbuy.com vs. be5tbuy.com)
- Missing HTTPS encryption or the security padlock icon
- Recently registered domains
- Contact information that differs from the official brand website
Why it works: A legitimate-looking checkout page steals your payment and personal data, which scammers use for identity theft or fraud. PCWorld’s Michael Crider nearly fell victim to this, discovering a fake retailer offering 50% discounts—only caught by checking the domain registration date.
2. Phishing Emails and Account Verification Scams
What it is: Fraudsters impersonate trusted retailers, banks, or delivery services, claiming you need to verify your account, update payment details, or confirm a delivery.
Red flags to watch:
- Emails from public domains (gmail.com) pretending to be from companies
- Misspelled company domains
- Urgent, threatening language (“Your account will be closed!”)
- Requests for passwords, PINs, or payment information
- Poor spelling and grammar
Why it works: The link leads to a fake website identical to the real one, capturing your login credentials or financial information. Amazon scams using this tactic are particularly common, with messages threatening account lockouts. A simple check—logging into your account directly rather than through the email link—can stop this before it starts.
3. Fake Social Media Ads and Malvertising
What it is: Convincing ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok advertise products at impossibly steep discounts, mimicking legitimate brands.
Red flags to watch:
- Deals that seem too good to be true (70% off a brand-new product)
- Ads from recently created accounts
- Generic product descriptions
- No verifiable business information
Why it works: Clicking the ad leads to a fake store where you pay but receive nothing, or counterfeit products. Reddit users have reported losing hundreds on fake Christmas pajama ads. The surge in these attacks is dramatic: malvertising scams increased 41% ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2024.
4. Counterfeit Product Listings
What it is: Scammers post unauthorized replicas of branded goods on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and other sites, advertising them as Black Friday bargains.
Red flags to watch:
- Prices far below market value for premium brands
- Generic or stock photos in listings
- Vague product descriptions that are clearly copied and pasted
- Sellers with poor customer reviews are complaining about quality
Why it works: You pay and either receive nothing or a worthless counterfeit item while the scammer keeps your money with no recourse.
5. Giveaway and Prize Scams
What it is: Cybercriminals impersonate brands to announce that you’ve won a free gift card or prize, pressuring you to claim it immediately before it expires.
Red flags to watch:
- High-value prizes for little to no effort
- Links to claim prizes via suspicious URLs
- Messages from unfamiliar or unverified accounts
- Urgent language creates FOMO (fear of missing out)
Why it works: Clicking the link takes you to a fake website or survey that harvests your personal information. A notorious $750 Trader Joe’s gift card scam cost thousands of victims their personal data with zero prizes awarded.
6. Gift Card Fraud and Draining Scams
What it is: Scammers trick you into paying with gift cards, or they drain prepaid cards by stealing codes from store shelves and redeeming them before consumers can use them.
Red flags to watch:
- Any merchant demanding payment via gift card only
- Requests to share gift card PINs or activation codes
- Gift card payment offers when credit/debit cards are unavailable
Why it works: Gift card payments are untraceable and irreversible—once the code is redeemed, your money is gone. Chinese threat actors have been observed conducting gift card fraud campaigns, with criminals stealing cards in-store and draining them to purchase electronics and luxury items. This represents a particularly dangerous vector since it’s harder to detect and recover from.
7. Fake Delivery Notifications and QR Code Scams
What it is: Fraudsters send fake emails or texts pretending to be from USPS, FedEx, or UPS, claiming your package has an issue or needs pickup—complete with malicious QR codes or phishing links.
Red flags to watch:
- Unsolicited tracking update texts
- Links in messages asking for payment or personal information
- QR codes in delivery notifications or on packages
- Carrier names mentioned, but unusual contact methods
Why it works: Clicking the link leads to fake tracking websites or malware installations. Reports of brushing scams (receiving unexpected packages with QR codes) rose 46% in 2025, with scammers using QR codes to direct users to phishing portals.
8. Malicious Apps and Mobile Malware
What it is: Fake shopping apps disguised as legitimate retailer tools flood app stores, designed to steal data or charge hidden fees.
Red flags to watch:
- Apps downloaded from anywhere except official app stores
- Recently created apps with few reviews
- Apps requesting excessive device permissions
- Unusual battery drain or data usage
Why it works: These apps harvest login credentials, financial data, and personal information while you think you’re getting deals. More than 120,000 fraudulent retail apps were identified in 2025, with 65% impersonating legitimate brands. Many slip through official app stores before detection.
9. Fake Sales with Artificially Inflated Original Prices
What it is: Retailers artificially inflate original prices to create false discounts, making a “60% off” sale appear far more attractive than it actually is.
Red flags to watch:
- “Original prices” that never seem to match what others pay
- Countdown timers that reset endlessly
- Products with identical pricing across suspicious retailers
- Deals that violate state pricing laws
Why it works: Impulse purchases at prices that aren’t truly discounted. Tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can reveal a product’s real price history. Federal law prohibits advertising inflated prices as discounts, yet many shady sellers continue the practice.
10. Vishing (Voice Phishing) and Impersonation Calls
What it is: Scammers call pretending to be your bank, credit card company, or a retailer, claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account and demanding immediate action.
Red flags to watch:
- Calls from unrecognized numbers with threats or urgency
- Requests for PINs, passwords, or full card numbers
- Caller ID spoofing (the number looks legitimate but isn’t)
- Pressure to act immediately without verification
Why it works: Exploiting trust and urgency, these calls trick people into revealing sensitive information that enables identity fraud or account takeover. Legitimate institutions never request this information via phone.
Who are the common targets of Black Friday scams?
Older adults, students, and busy parents are some of the most common targets of Black Friday scams. Scammers know these groups are often searching for “too good to miss” deals and may feel rushed to decide fast. That pressure makes it easier for fraud to slip through.
Older adults can be targeted with fake phone calls, emails, and texts about limited offers or prize draws. Many messages copy real brands so closely that even a careful person can get tricked. Students and young shoppers see scam ads on social media that promote luxury gadgets or sneakers at huge discounts. The links often lead to fake stores that steal card details.
Busy parents are another key group. They shop quickly on mobiles to grab toys, electronics, and clothes for the family. Fake websites and copycat apps use this hurry to push fake countdown timers and “only 1 left” messages. I always remind people that stress and fear of missing out are tools scammers use.
New or inexperienced online shoppers are also at risk. They may not know how to check a seller, read reviews, or spot warning signs. My advice is simple. Slow down, verify the seller, and never trust a deal that seems far below normal prices.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Black Friday Scams
Verify Before You Click
- Check website URLs carefully for misspellings or unusual domain extensions
- Look for the HTTPS padlock icon before entering any payment information
- Hover over links in emails before clicking (on desktop) to see the actual URL
- Never click links from unsolicited emails—navigate directly to official websites instead
Use Strong Authentication
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all shopping and financial accounts
- Use unique, complex passwords for each online account
- Consider using a password manager to track credentials safely
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
- Check bank and credit card statements weekly during shopping season
- Set up transaction alerts on your financial accounts
- Review your credit report quarterly at annualcreditreport.com
- Monitor digital wallet accounts for unauthorized activity
Shop on Verified Platforms
- Stick to official brand websites or trusted, established marketplaces
- Check seller reviews and ratings before purchasing
- Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal
- Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or untraceable payment methods
Stay Informed and Skeptical
- Be wary of countdown timers and artificial urgency tactics
- Compare prices across multiple retailers before purchasing
- Question deals that seem too good to be true—they usually are
- Keep your browser, antivirus, and devices updated with the latest security patches
What to Do If You Get Scammed
If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a Black Friday scam, act immediately:
- Stop communicating with the scammer to prevent additional fraud
- Contact your bank or credit card company to report fraud and dispute the transaction
- Change passwords immediately, especially if you shared login credentials
- Scan your device for malware using antivirus software
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Check your credit reports with all three bureaus for suspicious accounts
- Monitor accounts closely for weeks or months after the incident
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file
How can a parental control app help my family avoid Black Friday scams?
Parental control apps can block risky websites, filter scammy ads, and limit in-app purchases. Set age-appropriate content filters and only allow trusted shopping apps. Enable purchase approvals, so kids need your OK before buying. Activity reports also help you spot strange links or payment attempts in real time across their devices.
Also read Best Parental control app uMobix Review
Can a VPN protect me from Black Friday scams?
A VPN mainly protects your privacy and connection, not your wallet from scams. It stops snooping on public Wi-Fi and limits data tracking, but it can’t validate fake stores, bogus ads, or phishing emails. You must still verify URLs, reviews, payment methods, and refund policies yourself. Think of it as a lock, not a detector.
FAQs
1) Is Black Friday itself a scam?
Black Friday isn’t a scam, but scammers exploit the hype. Some retailers use fake discounts, inflated “original” prices, or misleading countdown timers. Cybercriminals also create fake websites and phishing emails. Treat Black Friday as a marketing event: compare prices, check reviews, and avoid offers that feel too good to be true.
2) What are the most common Black Friday scam red flags?
Watch for unrealistically low prices, poor grammar on websites, missing contact pages, suspicious URLs, and pressure tactics like “only 1 left” or “deal ends in 5 minutes.” Be cautious of social media DMs with payment links and sellers refusing secure payment methods. If your gut feels uneasy, don’t proceed.
3) How do I report a Black Friday scam?
Collect screenshots, links, order confirmations, and payment records. Report the scam to your bank or card issuer immediately, then to your local cybercrime or consumer protection authority. Also, flag fake ads or accounts on platforms like Meta, Google, or Amazon. The faster you report, the better your chances of blocking payments or chargebacks.
4) How can I check if a Black Friday deal is genuine?
Verify the website URL, company registration, and contact details. Look for HTTPS, real customer reviews, and consistent branding across social media. Compare prices with at least two major retailers or price-tracking tools. If payment options are only bank transfer, gift cards, or crypto, treat it as a major red flag.
5) Is it safe to store credit card info for Black Friday shopping?
Storing card details can be convenient, but it increases risk if the site is hacked. Only save cards with trusted, well-known retailers using secure payment gateways and two-factor authentication. Use virtual cards or credit cards rather than debit cards for better fraud protection. Regularly review statements and delete saved cards after the sale.
6) How can I protect my data while shopping for Black Friday deals online?
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on shopping and email accounts. Shop only on secure Wi-Fi, never public hotspots. Avoid clicking on email links; instead, type the retailer’s URL directly. Limit the personal data you share and consider privacy-focused browsers or extensions to reduce tracking and malicious scripts.
7) How can I spot fake Black Friday emails and SMS offers?
Check the sender’s address or phone number carefully for slight misspellings. Look for generic greetings, urgent language, and strange attachments. Hover over links to see the real URL before clicking. Genuine brands rarely ask for passwords or full card details via email or text. When in doubt, go to the official website directly.
8) Are Black Friday deals on social media ads safe?
Many are legitimate, but scams are common. Treat unknown brands with caution: check their domain age, reviews on independent sites, and refund policy. Avoid ads that redirect multiple times or force you to pay via bank transfer. If influencers promote a deal, verify they’ve worked with the brand before, not a new scam page.
9) What should I do if I already paid a Black Friday scammer?
Contact your bank or card provider immediately and request a chargeback or dispute. Freeze your card if needed. Change passwords for any accounts you used and enable two-factor authentication. Save all communication with the seller. Then report the scam to the relevant authorities and platforms to help protect others from the same fraud.
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The Bottom Line
Black Friday 2025 represents both unprecedented shopping opportunities and unprecedented cyber risks. With phishing attacks up 692%, fake websites surging 89%, and AI-powered scams becoming more convincing daily, your skepticism is your strongest defense.
The Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers that taking just a few seconds to verify a retailer’s legitimacy, check for HTTPS encryption, and question urgency tactics can save you from financial and identity theft losses that may take years to recover from.
This holiday season, remember: the best deal is the one that protects your data and your wallet. Shop smart, stay alert, and don’t let cybercriminals spoil your Black Friday.
