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Black Friday scams: 6 smart tips to shop safe
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Excited for Black Friday? Us too! Before you click “Buy Now”, here’s how to keep your shopping spree thrilling and safe. Check out these quick tips without putting your personal info at risk
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 7 November 2025
Stay safe online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just big days for shoppers. They’re big days for cybercriminals, too. While millions of us are hunting for bargains, fraudsters are busy crafting fake emails, dodgy websites, and phishing scams.
In fact, UK consumers lost over £1 billion to online fraud in 2024 alone. The good news? A few simple checks can keep your money and personal details safe. Stay alert, shop smart, and spend more time enjoying your bargains, not worrying about your bank balance.
Common Black Friday scams (and how to avoid them)
From fake "too good to be true” deals to scam ads on social media and phishing emails to dodgy ads on social media, cybercriminals are ready to catch you off guard. Here’s how to spot the tricks they use:
Scammers send emails pretending to be from big retailers like Amazon or Argos, claiming there's a problem with your order or offering a refund. Clicking the link takes you to a fake site that steals your details.
Stay safe: Don’t click links in unexpected emails: go directly to the retailer’s official site.
Short for "malicious advertising", malvertising refers to deceptive ads on websites or social media that redirect you to scam sites, often pretending to be well-known brands.
They can appear as banner ads, pop-ups, or sponsored posts promising big discounts or exclusive deals. To stay safe, avoid clicking on ads that seem too good to be true, and always go directly to the retailer's official website to check whether the offer is real.
These scam websites are designed to look just like genuine retailers, complete with familiar logos, layouts, and web addresses that differ by only a letter or two. They often advertise must-have products at prices that seem unbelievably low to lure shoppers in. Once you place an order and pay, the item never arrives, and your payment details may even be stolen or misused.
Scammers create fake accounts and posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, advertising unrealistically cheap deals on popular tech or luxury items. These often link to fake stores or phishing sites that steal your payment details. To stay safe, check for verified accounts, go directly to official brand websites, and stay safe from social media scams by being wary of pages with few followers, recent activity, or spelling errors.
6 tips to shop safe this Black Friday
Before you start adding bargains to your basket, take a moment to protect yourself. These six simple tips will help you shop smarter, keep your personal details safe, and enjoy the savings without the stress.
1. Strong passwords: Your first line of defence
Think of your password as the lock on your front door. You wouldn’t leave it open, so don’t leave your accounts unprotected. Make sure your passwords are:
Unique and long: Mix letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid obvious info like birthdays or pet names.
Use a password manager: Keep all your passwords secure and let a trusted manager generate strong ones for you.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): An extra code sent to your phone makes it much harder for hackers to sneak in.
Pro Tip: Change your critical account passwords ahead of Black Friday. It’s quick, easy, and could save you a headache later.
2. Spot phishing scams and fake deals
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check the sender’s email address carefully before clicking links, and hover over them to preview URLs. Avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Quick checklist:
Look out for urgent or threatening language.
Always check the official retailer website for deals.
Confirm HTTPS and the padlock icon in your browser.
Take a breath and double-check before buying.
3. Secure your devices before shopping
Keep your devices in top shape with the latest security patches, so hackers can’t sneak in. Regular software updates fix bugs and close security gaps, making it harder for scammers to find a way in. Make sure your phone, laptop, and apps are all up to date before the big shopping weekend.
It’s also worth running a quick antivirus scan or installing a trusted security app for extra peace of mind. And when you’re checking out, skip the free public WiFi; it’s often unsecured. Use your mobile data or a VPN instead to keep your payment details safe.
Extra Tip: Enable automatic updates. It’s a small step that saves big headaches. And, if your tech’s feeling a bit sluggish, check out our guide to digital decluttering to give your device a fresh start before the Black Friday rush.
4. Use safe payment methods
Pay smart and protect your cash while hunting for bargains. Use credit cards or trusted platforms like PayPal and Apple Pay for extra security, and set up transaction alerts to catch anything unusual. You’ll often have more rights to claim a refund if your purchase doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described.
If you’re shopping on a site you’ve never used before, consider using a prepaid or virtual card. It keeps your main bank details safe and limits how much money’s at risk.
5. Shop with trusted retailers
Stick to well-known brands and retailers that you are familiar with. Check seller reviews for peace of mind. Double-check the website’s URL. It should start with “https” and show a padlock icon. That means it’s secure. If the site looks new or suspicious, it’s best to steer clear.
Did you know? HTTPS encrypts your data, keeping your personal and financial information safe from hackers. Learn more about why HTTPS is important and how to spot secure sites in our guide to secure browsing.
6. Beware of fake apps
Scammers often create bogus shopping apps that promise exclusive Black Friday deals but hide a nasty surprise. These apps can install malware on your device or steal your login credentials. To stay safe, only download apps from official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store, and always check reviews before installing.
What if something goes wrong?
Even the best plans can hit a hiccup. Here’s how to respond safely:
Contact your bank: Immediately inform your bank of the incident, especially if you provided your details and you see suspicious charges. They might be able to cancel your card and monitor suspicious activity.
Change passwords: If you clicked a link and entered login details, change your passwords for that site and any other accounts where you use the same credentials.
Report the scam: It’s also important to report phishing emails or scam websites. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, and don’t forget to let others know so they can stay alert.
Shop smart and safe this Black Friday
Scammers often use pressure tactics to rush you into a purchase. If a deal feels pushy or urgent, take a moment to pause and think, it’s the best way to avoid making a snap decision you’ll regret.
Black Friday should be fun, not stressful. Follow these tips, shop smart, and enjoy the thrill of finding great deals while keeping your info and money safe.
And when it comes to genuine savings, you’re already in the right place. Check out our Black Friday broadband deals for savings you can trust.
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