5 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Scams to Watch Out For

The holiday shopping season is here, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, savvy shoppers are preparing to snag the best deals. However, while you're searching for discounts, scammers are also on the lookout for ways to steal your personal information and hard-earned money.

Let’s look at the top five Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself. By staying informed, you can shop safely and enjoy the holiday season without worry.

1. Fake Online Stores & Unbelievable Deals

One of the most common scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the fake online store. Scammers set up convincing websites that mimic legitimate retailers but are designed to steal your payment information. These sites often feature “too good to be true” prices on popular products, enticing shoppers to act quickly.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the website’s URL: Check for spelling errors or unusual domain extensions (like .vibe or .guru).
• Look for customer reviews: Do a quick search for “[store name] scam” to see if any red flags pop up.
• Stick to retailers you trust or confirm the legitimacy of new ones before making a purchase.

You can protect yourself while shopping online by using a credit card, which typically offers better fraud protection than other payment methods. When you use a Scott Credit Union credit card, you not only gain that extra layer of security but can also earn rewards on your holiday purchases.

2. Phishing Emails and Texts Offering “Exclusive Deals”

Cybercriminals love sending phishing emails and text messages that appear to be from well-known retailers, promoting “exclusive offers” or “limited-time flash sales.” These messages often contain links to malicious sites that aim to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Avoid clicking on links in emails or texts from unknown senders.
• Hover over any links to check if the URL looks suspicious.
• Visit retailers’ official websites directly rather than clicking through an email link.

3. Gift Card Scams

Gift cards are popular holiday gifts, but scammers exploit them in various ways. In some cases, fraudsters tamper with gift cards in stores, scratching off the security codes and waiting for them to be activated. In other cases, you may come across fraudulent websites claiming to sell discounted gift cards that are often fake.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Purchase gift cards directly from trusted retailers rather than third-party websites.
• Inspect the packaging to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
• Always keep your receipt in case you need to report an issue.

If you’re purchasing gift cards as part of your holiday budget, take advantage of Scott Credit Union’s budgeting tools to set spending limits and track your expenses. Our online calculators, financial workshops, financial education videos, and free resources through our partnership with Banzai are designed to provide you with the support you need to succeed.

4. “Order Confirmation” and “Failed Delivery” Scams

Another popular trick is sending fake emails that appear to be from major shipping companies or online retailers, claiming there’s an issue with your recent order. These emails often include a link or attachment that, if clicked, installs malware on your device.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of emails requesting immediate action, especially if you don’t recognize the sender.
• Never download attachments from unknown sources.
• Track your orders using the retailer’s official website instead of clicking links in emails.

Scott Credit Union members can monitor their transactions through the SCU Mobile Banking app. If you notice any suspicious activity, get in touch with our Member Contact Center immediately.

5. Fake Charity Appeals

The holiday season is also a time for giving, which scammers exploit by creating fake charity websites and donation requests. These fraudulent charities prey on people’s goodwill, especially during the busy shopping season.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research any charity before making a donation.
• Avoid donating via email solicitations. Instead, go directly to the charity’s official website.
• Use Scott Credit Union’s online banking tools to verify and track your charitable donations.

Stay Safe While Shopping Online This Holiday Season

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, not stress. But as scammers become more sophisticated each year, it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect yourself while shopping for gifts. By being aware of these common scams and taking precautions, you can avoid fraud and focus on celebrating the season.

Want to shop with peace of mind? Join Scott Credit Union today to enjoy enhanced fraud protection, secure online banking, and budgeting tools. Together, let’s make this a scam-free holiday season!