A Black Friday scam is a fraudulent offer or advertisement that appears during the Black Friday sales period. The scam may take the form of a fake product advertised at an unbeatable price, or a fake sale on a legitimate product. Scammers often use social media to spread their offers, and they may target specific groups of people, such as those who are looking for good deals on Black Friday. Criminals will use fake websites and social media accounts to dupe shoppers out of millions of pounds. These scams can be so convincing that even experienced shoppers are often taken in by it. The sad part is that the personal data collected from unsuspecting shoppers will be used to commit identity theft and other forms of fraud.
Please stay safe by applying these tips:
Be aware of phishing emails
Many scammers will send phony emails that appear to be from a reputable retailer, offering special deals or coupons. These emails often contain links that redirect to a fake website, where you may be asked to enter personal information. Always check the sender’s address before clicking on any links, and be suspicious of any deals that seem too good to be true.
Do your research
Before making any online purchases, take a few minutes to research the seller. Check for customer reviews, and look for contact information such as a phone number or physical address. You should also make sure that the website is secure by looking for the https:// in the address bar.
Be cautious of popup ads
During the holiday season, you may see pop-up ads offering amazing deals on popular items. However, these deals are often too good to be true, and clicking on them can lead you to malicious websites or install harmful software on your computer.
Know your rights
Under some laws, you have the right to cancel certain types of transactions within three days, known as a ” cooling-off period.” This includes door-to-door sales, purchases made at a home party, and contracts signed at a trade show or flea market. If you cancel within the cooling-off period, you should receive a full refund within 10 days.
Do your research
Before you start shopping, take some time to research the products you’re interested in. Read online reviews and compare prices to get an idea of what you should be paying. This will help you spot any deals that are too good to be true.
Beware of fake websites
Be careful of fake websites that are set up specifically to scam people out of their money. These sites often mimic the look of popular retail sites but don’t actually sell anything. If you’re unsure about a website, do a quick Google search to see if there have been any reports of scams.
Know your rights
Familiarize yourself with your consumer rights so that you know what to do if something goes wrong with your purchase. In Europe, consumers have the right to a refund or exchange if they receive faulty goods. If you’ve been scammed, you can also report it to the authorities in your country.
Conclusion
Black Friday scams happen towards the end of the year when many companies run promotions to drive sales. So please watch out for any Black Friday deals that raise a red flag. Have you been a victim of Black Friday scams? Please feel free to share your experiences with Scam Help.
