How to avoid these common Black Friday scams

Let’s explore what to watch out for and how to shop safely. 

Social media scams are more common than ever 

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram accounted for over 80% of all online shopping fraud reported in 2023. Scammers often create fake profiles or pages, luring in shoppers with flashy ads and unbeatable deals in the run-up to Black Friday. 

Facebook Marketplace is also popular for grabbing bargains or earning extra cash, but scams are rife here too. Both buyers and sellers need to be cautious. If you're considering using the platform to find a Black Friday deal, check out our tips for protecting yourself from Facebook Marketplace scams. 

Remember, fraudsters operate across all social channels, so stay vigilant no matter where you shop online. 

Email scams are still the most common form of online fraud 

Email scams have come a long way since the days of being promised a £3,000,000 inheritance left to you by your great grandfather twice removed. Now, even the savviest amongst us can be fooled by a sophisticated scam email.  

During Black Friday, your inbox might fill up with “exclusive deals” or “urgent offers.” Some will be genuine, but others will link to fake sites that can look very convincing, or request personal information. A simple rule of thumb: if you don’t normally receive emails from the sender, it’s probably a scam. 

Not all scams are online 

Scammers also exploit the surge in parcel deliveries during Black Friday. Royal Mail and DPD impersonation scams are on the rise. These scams usually involve texts or emails claiming: 

These messages often link to convincing but fake websites designed to steal personal information or prompt you to make payments. 

Expecting a delivery? Keep an eye on your mail 

Fraudsters can put a post redirection in place with Royal Mail that allows them to automatically have mail from your address sent to an address of their choosing. To protect yourself, monitor your mail. If something seems off—like a long delay in receiving post—ask Royal Mail to investigate. 

How safe is your ‘safe place’?  

Let’s not forget that physical theft is as much of a threat as any, especially during the holidays. 

Parcels left on doorsteps or in visible locations are easy targets for opportunistic thieves. 

Choose a discreet ‘safe place’ such as a locked shed or garage. Better yet, ask a neighbour to accept deliveries for you. It’s worth bearing in mind that if a delivery company leaves a parcel in your requested safe place, it is then your responsibility if it is lost or stolen. 

Top tips for avoiding a Black Friday scam 

Although scams have become much more sophisticated, at the core, the tactics remain the same. Our in-house fraud expert, Ben Fleming, says: 

“Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas are prime time for scammers. Always shop directly from official websites and use secure payment methods. Fraudsters rely on creating urgency and excitement. Take a moment to think—don’t let them catch you off guard.”

Here are Ben’s top tips for safe shopping during the sales:

1. Use a credit card where possible. Purchases on a credit card between £100 and £30,000 are protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If your order is broken or faulty, you can claim a refund through your lender. 
2. Go directly to official websites. Whether you’re shopping or tracking deliveries, avoid clicking links in emails or ads—these may lead to fake sites.
3. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. A genuine deal will still be available when you search for it on the retailer's official site.
4. Never pay to have a missed delivery redelivered. Genuine couriers like Royal Mail will leave a card and won't request payment via text.
5. Look for secure websites. Check for the padlock symbol in your browser’s URL bar and ensure the web address starts with ‘https’.
6. Nominate a trusted neighbour for deliveries. If no one’s available, choose a safe place that keeps parcels out of sight. Better yet, there may be the option to ask for the delivery to be sent another day when you are at home.
7. Monitor your mail. If you thinksomeone has redirected your post, contact Royal Mail immediately.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, where money or bank details have been given, contact your bank in the first instance.  

You should also change passwords and security questions wherever you’ve shared personal details like account login information. It's also worth setting up two-factor authentication as an extra layer of security when you log in to a website or app, if this feature is available. 

More information on reporting scams can be found at:  

• Action Fraud
• Citizens Advice