The Morgan & Morgan Guide to Secure Shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

It’s that time of year again—when the Thanksgiving turkey has been gobbled up and the doorbuster deals of Black Friday are in full swing. Long gone, however, are the days of massive lines outside of physical retail stores and riots in the aisles. Most sale-seeking shoppers stick to online holiday shopping for their Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts.

Unfortunately, this season of giving is also a prime time for cybercriminals and scammers to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. From fake websites to phishing emails, the risks are abundant. Here’s how you can stay safe while snagging your holiday bargains.

Be on Alert: Recognize Common Scams

Being aware of popular scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the first step toward protecting yourself. Common scams include:

• Phishing Emails: These mimic legitimate retailers, offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals or asking you to verify account details. Clicking links in these emails can lead to malware or stolen personal information.
• Fake E-Commerce Sites: Scammers create websites that look like trusted brands to trick you into entering your payment information.
• Social Media Scams: Fraudulent ads and giveaways often circulate on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, promising luxury items or discounts in exchange for personal information.
• Gift Card Scams: Be wary of offers that pressure you into paying for items with gift cards, as these are often untraceable.

Tips to Avoid Tricks: Verify Before You Buy

Before you make a purchase, ensure the retailer is legitimate:

• Inspect the URL: Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. Avoid sites with misspellings or unusual domain extensions (like using “.co” instead of “.com”).
• Check Reviews: Search for the retailer’s name followed by “scam” or “fraud” to see if others have reported issues.
• Contact the Company: A legitimate retailer will have a customer service line, email, or live chat.

Shop Smart: Protect Your Personal Info

Keep your data safe by following these tips:

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Shopping on unsecured networks can expose you to hackers. Use a VPN if you must shop while on the go.
• Use Strong Passwords: Secure your accounts with unique, complex passwords, and enable two-factor authentication when available.
• Limit Information Shared: Only provide necessary details for the transaction. No retailer needs your Social Security number.

Pick the Safest Way to Pay

How you pay can make a big difference in your protection.

• Use Credit Cards: Credit cards often offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards. Many issuers also have zero-liability policies for unauthorized charges.
• Avoid Wire Transfers or Gift Cards: Scammers often push these methods because they’re hard to trace.
• Set Purchase Alerts: Most banks and credit card companies allow you to receive notifications for every transaction, helping you spot fraudulent activity quickly.

Be Cautious of Emails and Texts

Scammers use urgency to trick victims. Here’s how to handle unsolicited messages:

• Don’t Click Suspicious Links: If an email or text offers a deal, navigate to the retailer’s website manually instead of clicking links.
• Beware of Attachments: Files in promotional emails could contain malware.
• Verify the Sender: Check the sender’s email address carefully for inconsistencies.

Stay Vigilant on Social Media

Social media is giving your life enough problems, don’t let identity theft or fraud be another one of them. Many scams originate from popular social media platforms. Here’s how to handle it:

• Scrutinize Ads: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Search for the product and retailer independently.
• Avoid “Giveaway” Scams: Be wary of contests requiring excessive personal information or upfront payments.
• Report Scammers: If you encounter a suspicious ad or account, report it to the platform to help protect others.

Keep an Eye After You Buy: Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Look for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals, and contact your bank immediately if you notice unfamiliar transactions. Many banking apps allow you to receive instant notifications for purchases, so set up alerts if you can.

Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with consumer protection laws so you know what rights you are entitled to.

• Return Policies: Check the retailer’s policy before buying. Scammers often operate without offering returns.
• Chargebacks: If you’ve been scammed, you may be able to dispute the charge with your credit card issuer.
• Report Fraud: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general to report scams.

With the proper precautions, you can enjoy the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday without falling victim to scams. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, take the time to verify retailers, and prioritize security when sharing personal and financial information.