How to Avoid Shopping Scams During Black

The final months of the year bring a rush of deals and discounts. From Singles’ Day to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season, online stores are full of flash sales and last-minute bargains. But scammers are just as active — ready to take advantage of the chaos.

During peak sale periods, shoppers are distracted, quick to buy, and less cautious. That’s why fake websites, phishing messages, scam ads, and malicious apps all spike at this time of year.

According to Barclays, purchase scam losses jumped 22% during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2023. F-Secure data also shows a sharp rise in blocked scam sites in late 2024 — nearly triple the average seen during the rest of the year.

The Most Common Shopping Scams Around the Holidays

Scammers rely on urgency and excitement to slip into your inbox, search results, and social feeds. Here’s what to watch for this shopping season — and how to stay safe.

Fake Online Stores That Disappear After You Pay

Scam websites pop up fast during major sale events. They often copy real retailers or feature trending products at deep discounts. The sites look polished, the reviews sound genuine — and the products never arrive.

Worse, payment information and personal details are often stolen for future fraud.

Stay safe:

• Double-check URLs, especially if they include odd characters (like amazonn.shop) or unfamiliar extensions.
• Research new sites before buying, even if the deal looks tempting.
• Security tools that detect fake sites can stop scams before they happen.

Phishing Links in Emails, Texts, and Ads

Scammers flood inboxes and feeds with fake promotions and delivery alerts. The messages look legitimate and often use urgent language such as “limited-time offer” or “problem with your delivery” to push you toward a quick click.

That click may lead to a fake login page, a malware download, or a fraudulent payment form.

Stay safe:

• Don’t click links in messages you weren’t expecting, even if they appear to come from trusted brands.
• Visit the retailer’s official website or app instead.

Fake Checkout Pages That Steal Payment Info

Some scam sites mimic real checkout pages to collect card details. They often use HTTPS and even show the familiar padlock icon, but it’s no guarantee of safety. After you enter your info, the scammers may redirect you to a legitimate site to cover their tracks.

Stay safe:

• Always verify the domain before entering payment information.
• Remember: the padlock icon means encryption, not legitimacy.
• Real-time protection tools can confirm if a site is authentic.

“Delivery” Apps That Hide Malware

Scammers may send fake tracking links, claiming they help you monitor a shipment. These links often lead to malicious apps that install spyware or steal passwords.

The messages usually appear to come from delivery companies, sellers, or even customer service.

Stay safe:

• Never download an app from a link in a text or email.
• Use trusted app stores and search for the official app yourself.
• Use antivirus protection that blocks malicious apps automatically.

What You Risk If You Fall for a Scam

Losing money on a fake purchase is bad enough, but scams can cause lasting damage:

• Unauthorized purchases made with your card details
• Identity theft or credit accounts opened in your name
• Stolen personal data sold on the dark web
• Malware infections that silently collect your information
• Compromised accounts that give scammers further access

The impact can last long after the holidays end.

Simple Habits for Safer Holiday Shopping

A few small habits can go a long way toward keeping your money and information secure.

1. Shop with Trusted Retailers

Stick with stores you know, or research new ones first. Look for verified contact details, refund policies, and customer reviews on third-party sites like Trustpilot.

2. Don’t Click Links in Messages

Whether it’s email, SMS, or social media, treat unexpected offers with caution. If it matters, you can always find it directly on the official site.

3. Don’t Fall for Fake Urgency

Messages like “only one left” or “deal ends in five minutes” are classic pressure tactics. Take a breath and double-check before buying.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create different passwords for each account, and make sure they’re difficult to guess. A password manager makes this much easier.

5. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds a second layer of defense, making it far harder for scammers to access your accounts — even if they get your password.

How Smart Protection Keeps You Safe

Even careful shoppers can miss the warning signs. Smart security tools act as a safety net, quietly blocking threats before they cause harm.

They can:

• Flag fake stores and scam checkout pages
• Block malicious links in emails or texts
• Stop harmful apps from being installed
• Monitor for leaked or stolen personal data
• Alert you when something looks suspicious — before you click

With protection running in the background, you can focus on finding real deals — not avoiding traps.