Black Friday is great for bargains, but scammers know it too
Black Friday should be the time you grab cheaper Christmas presents and treat yourself without blowing the budget.
But scammers are working overtime this year, and social media has become their favourite place to strike.
New research shows social media is now the top scam channel in the UK, with 34 percent of scam reports coming from apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and WhatsApp.
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Younger people are hit hardest because they share more online and shop more through their phones.
At the same time, the Home Office and National Cyber Security Centre warn that scammers use the Black Friday rush to trick shoppers with fake deals, fake shops and fake delivery messages.
Last year, people lost £11.8 million to online shopping scams during the festive season.
This is the time of year to stay sharp, slow down and protect your money.
Read next: AI scams: the tricks fraudsters are using right now
How scammers are tricking people on social media
Fake ads from fake shops
Scammers run adverts that copy real brands. The logo looks right, the photos look right, and everything feels normal until you’ve paid. Then there’s no order confirmation and no parcel on the way.
Fake giveaways
TikTok and Instagram are packed with phoney competitions promising vouchers, gadgets or even cars. The catch is an entry fee. Once you’ve paid, the page disappears, and the prize never existed.
Vanishing sellers
Some scammers use apps where messages disappear. They offer trainers, clothes or gadgets at great prices, take the money and disappear with no trace.
Delivery scams
As soon as shoppers start placing orders, scammers send texts claiming you owe a delivery fee or your parcel is stuck. Clicking the link sends you to a fake website that steals card details.
Read next: Amazon Prime scam warning: don’t fall for this fake cancellation email
Why these scams work so well
1. They make you rush
Scammers pretend the deal is ending soon, stock is running out, or the discount only applies for the next few minutes. This panic is meant to stop you thinking clearly.
2. People skip basic security
The research shows many people reuse passwords, have no security apps on their phones and accept every cookie pop-up without checking what it does. This gives scammers an easy head start.
Skint Dad says:
Shoppers shouldn’t feel embarrassed about double-checking everything this time of year. The pressure to grab a bargain can make anyone slip up, even people who are great with money. Slowing down for ten seconds can be the difference between saving a tenner and losing your whole Christmas budget to a fake deal.
How to stay safe this Black Friday
These steps come straight from the Home Office, the National Cyber Security Centre and recent cybercrime studies, along with some Skint Dad advice to keep your money protected.
Check the shop before you buy
Look for reviews from real customers on trusted websites. If a shop has no history at all, walk away.
Check for spelling errors, strange web addresses or missing contact details. Scammers often copy real brands but tweak the URL to fool shoppers.
Turn on 2-step verification
2-step verification adds a quick extra check before you can log in. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t get into your account without that second code.
Don’t store card details
Saving bank details makes future hacks riskier. Guest checkout keeps things simple and stops your card from being stored on sites you don’t trust.
Avoid bank transfers
A bank transfer is like handing someone cash. Once it’s gone, it’s incredibly hard to get it back. Use a credit card or payment service instead for better protection.
Be careful with delivery texts
Scammers know millions of parcels are on the move. If a text asks for a fee or says you missed a delivery, don’t click the link. Visit the delivery company’s official website instead.
Strengthen your passwords
A reused password makes every account weaker. If one site gets hacked, scammers can try the same details everywhere else. Using different passwords helps protect your whole digital life.
Install basic security tools
Lots of people shop, bank and pay with their phones but never install any protection. A simple tool can block fake websites and risky downloads.
What we mean by basic security tools
- Antivirus or security apps
These spot dodgy links, fake websites and risky downloads. - Password managers
Store your passwords safely and create stronger ones. - Automatic updates
Keeping your device updated closes gaps scammers use. - Browser safety tools
Chrome, Safari and Firefox warn you if a site looks risky. - Two-step verification
A quick extra code that blocks most break-ins. - Official app stores
Download apps from Google Play or the Apple App Store only. - Bank app protections
Many banking apps now flag unusual or risky payments. - Phone locks and biometrics
A PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock protects your accounts if your phone goes missing.
Don’t trust rush tactics
Scammers want you to act fast. If a deal says “only one left” or “ends in 5 minutes”, slow down. A genuine bargain will still be there after a quick check.
Stick to places you already trust
If you usually shop from certain retailers, use their official apps or websites instead of tapping a random social media advert.
Watch out for suspiciously low prices
If a new phone, games console or designer item is suddenly half its normal price from a seller you’ve never heard of, it’s almost always a scam.
What to do if something feels wrong
If something feels off, contact your bank straight away.
You can also report fake websites, emails and messages to the NCSC so they can investigate and take them down.
Act fast, even if you’re not fully sure.
