Pretty soon, deals will be everywhere - but not all of them are what they seem. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday roll in, so do the scammers - ready to catch out anyone who’s not paying close attention.
With online shopping at an all-time high and festive deals starting earlier each year, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But while you're hunting for bargains, fraudsters are hunting for victims. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay sharp and protect your personal info.
Whether you're buying gifts for loved ones or treating yourself to a tech upgrade, this guide is here to help you shop smarter, avoid common traps and keep your data safe.
Double-check before you click.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Scammers love to lure people in with flashy discounts and urgent messages. Before clicking on any link, take a moment to check the URL. Does it look legit? Are there any spelling mistakes or strange domain names?
For example, a fake site might use “amaz0n.co” instead of “amazon.co.uk”. One letter can make all the difference.
Top tip: Stick to official websites and bookmark your favourite retailers so you know you’re in the right place.
Look closely at the sender.
Scam emails and texts often look like they’re from real companies - but they’re not.
Fraudsters are getting better at mimicking trusted brands, so it’s worth taking a second look. Check the sender’s email address, look for odd phrasing and don’t hesitate to google the message to see if others have flagged it as a scam.
Top tip: Only shop with retailers you trust. If you’re buying from a business you’re not familiar with, check them out on TrustPilot.
Never share your personal details.
Banks, mobile networks and legit retailers will never ask for your passwords or payment info out of the blue.
If you get a message asking for sensitive info, it’s almost certainly a scam. Only enter personal details on secure websites (look for the padlock icon in your browser) and be wary of unsolicited requests via email, text or phone.
Top tip: If in doubt, contact the company directly using their official contact details.
Pay securely.
How you pay matters - and some methods offer better protection than others.
Credit cards and trusted platforms like PayPal often come with buyer protection, which can help if something goes wrong. Avoid bank transfers or unfamiliar payment gateways, especially if you’re buying from a site you’ve never used before.
Top tip: Always check the payment options before you commit. If it feels dodgy, walk away.
Stay alert, shop smart and protect your data.
A little caution goes a long way. By staying aware and following these simple tips, you can get the best of Black Friday without worrying about fraud.
Got your own tips or stories to share? Drop them in the comments and share them it the iD Community. By sharing information, we can help keep each other safe online.
