Black Friday isn’t really a day anymore. It’s practically a season. The emails start early, retailers tease “Black Friday pricing” weeks ahead of Thanksgiving, and your phone lights up with limited-time offers, early-access sales, and reminders that something in your cart is suddenly 40% off.
Unfortunately, shoppers aren’t the only ones getting ready for Black Friday. Scammers know millions of people will be searching for deals, opening promotional emails, clicking ads, and making more online purchases than usual. All that activity gives them plenty of opportunities to blend in. Before you start shopping, take a few simple precautions that can help keep a great deal from turning into a costly mistake.
Tip #1: Think Before You Click
Your inbox is going to be busy, and so are your text messages. During the holidays, scammers often send fake messages designed to look like they came from familiar retailers, delivery companies, or financial institutions. The message might tell you there’s a problem with an order, offer an incredible discount, or ask you to verify information.
Instead of clicking the link, go directly to the company’s website or app. If there really is a problem with your order or account, you should be able to find the information there. And pay attention to the sender. A familiar company name doesn’t necessarily mean the message actually came from that company.
Tip #2: Be Suspicious of the Deal of the Century
Black Friday is all about big discounts, which makes it easier for fake deals to look legitimate. You may see an ad for a popular item at a price that seems almost impossible to pass up. Before buying, take a closer look at who’s selling it.
If you’ve never heard of the retailer, do a little research. Search for the company independently, look for contact information, review its return policy, and see whether you can find legitimate customer feedback.
Scammers count on shoppers moving quickly because they’re afraid the deal will disappear. If something feels off, give yourself permission to walk away. There will always be another sale.
Tip #3: Watch Out for Look-Alike Websites
A fake shopping website can look surprisingly convincing. It may have professional photos, familiar logos, customer reviews, and even security symbols. But the web address can tell a different story.
Before entering payment information, look closely at the URL. Scammers may change a letter, add an extra word, or use a slightly different spelling to imitate a legitimate retailer.
One of the safest habits is also one of the simplest: type the retailer’s web address yourself or use its official app rather than following an unfamiliar ad or link.
Tip #4: Be Careful How You Pay
How you pay can matter if something goes wrong. Be especially cautious if an online seller insists that you pay with a gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or another payment method that makes it difficult to recover your money. A legitimate retailer shouldn’t need you to buy gift cards and provide the numbers as payment.
Additionally, avoid saving your payment information on unfamiliar websites just because it makes checkout a little faster. A few extra seconds at checkout can be worth it when you’re dealing with a retailer you don’t know well.
Tip #5: Don’t Let a Fake Delivery Text Fool You
After Black Friday comes the parade of packages arriving at your door (and that makes fake delivery notifications particularly effective). You may receive a text saying your package couldn’t be delivered, your address needs to be confirmed, or you owe a small delivery fee. The message includes a link that takes you to a convincing-looking website designed to collect your personal or payment information.
If you’re expecting a package, don’t use the link in the message. Go directly to the retailer or shipping company and check the tracking information there.
Tip #6: Keep an Eye on Your Accounts
With more purchases happening in a short period of time, an unfamiliar transaction can be easier to overlook. So, be sure to check your bank and credit card accounts regularly throughout the holiday shopping season. And set up transaction alerts that can notify you when purchases are made or when your balance falls below a certain amount.
If you see something you don’t recognize on any of your Quail Creek Bank accounts, please contact us immediately at 405-755-1000.
Tip #7: Slow Down Before You Check Out
Black Friday is designed to make you move fast, and scammers are counting on that, too.
A countdown clock, an incredible discount, or a message saying there are “only two left” can make it tempting to click first and think later.
Take an extra minute to check the website, verify the seller, or open a retailer’s official app to ensure what you see is actually what you’ll get. Additionally, read the fine print on any special offer to ensure you understand all the details of any deal.
A Great Deal Shouldn’t Come With a Catch Enjoy the deals, check off your gift list, and take advantage of a great price when you find one. Just remember that smart Black Friday shopping is about more than the price tag. Before you buy, take a moment to make sure the deal is legitimate and the seller can be trusted.
