Black Friday Scams

Black Friday Scams

Black Friday shopping advice

On-line shopping and Fraud prevention

Fraudsters heavily exploit the rush for online bargains by deploying limited time countdowns and fake deal adverts, this is especially true around Black Friday events.

To stay safe and find genuine bargains during Black Friday sales, go directly to official retailer websites rather than clicking social media or email links.  A high proportion of on-line shopping frauds originate via social media ads, phishing emails or text alerts.  Type the retailer’s web address in to your browser manually, ensuring it starts with https:// as a baseline check.

Reject false urgency – If a deal pressures you to act immediately or click a direct link, stop and verify the seller independently.

Secure your accounts. Turn on two-step verification (2SV) on retail profiles so hackers cannot access saved payment methods even if they steal your password.  This is a good time to ensure you have strong passwords.

Research unknown entities. Check third-party review platforms before purchasing from a completely new or unfamiliar brand.

Pay with a credit card for items costing between £100-£30,000.  Use Credit/Debit cards or Paypal for smaller items to utilise car provider “Chargeback” schemes.  Never pay via direct bank transfer to strangers.

Never share one-time security or 2SV codes with anyone.

If you receive a suspicious email forward it to: reportphishing.gov.uk.  If you receive a suspicious text this can be forwarded to 7726 for free.

Please feel free to share this information with friends, family and neighbours and encourage them to sign up to Met Engage at www.metengage.co.uk