Black Friday and Cyber Monday are full of excitement and rush. Shoppers see countdowns, flash sales, and hard-to-find gifts. Scammers know people are moving fast. A fake ad or website only needs to look real long enough for one click or one purchase.
The FTC warns that scammers may pretend to be real companies. They may use social media ads with very low prices or build fake shopping sites. You could pay for a fake item, one that never arrives, or something that does not match the ad.
Common Black Friday scam tactics
Fake stores and lookalike websites
A fake site may copy a store's logo, photos, colors, and layout. Check the web address for misspellings, extra words, or odd endings. When you can, type the store's address yourself or use the official app you already have. Avoid shopping through a link in an unexpected message.
Social media deals that are too good to be true
A polished social ad does not prove the seller is safe. If a price is much lower than every other store, check the business and product before you buy. Search the seller's name and website with words like 'review,' 'complaint,' or 'scam.'
Holiday shopping apps
Store apps, coupon apps, wish lists, and package trackers can be helpful. Download apps from a trusted app store. Check who made the app before you install it. Review its permissions. Be careful if it asks for access that does not fit what the app does.
Fake order and delivery messages
Once holiday orders start arriving, a fake delivery text can be easy to believe. Do not pay a fee or enter account details through an unexpected message. Check the order in the store or delivery account you already use.
Shop with a simple Stop. Check. Protect. routine
- STOP before buying from an unfamiliar seller simply because a timer is counting down.
- CHECK the seller, website address, return policy, shipping details, and platform protections.
- PROTECT account and card information by using trusted checkout pages and avoiding payment instructions that move you outside a platform's normal process.
- Keep order confirmations, receipts, and messages until the purchase is complete.
- Review account activity during busy shopping weeks and report transactions you do not recognize.
What if a purchase does not look right?
If you think you paid a scammer, contact the payment service or your bank as soon as you can. Explain what happened. Your options may depend on how and when you paid. Keep receipts, order details, messages, and screenshots.
If an ABB account or card may be involved, contact Anderson Brothers Bank through a trusted channel. We can help you understand the next steps for your situation.
A little extra checking can actually make your holiday shopping more enjoyable! It ensures your money goes exactly where you want it, toward the people and celebrations you cherish most.
Fraud prevention content is educational and does not guarantee prevention, recovery, or reimbursement. Customers should contact Anderson Brothers Bank directly through a trusted phone number, the official website, or a local branch if they believe an account, card, online banking access, or personal information may be at risk. Resolution timelines, provisional credits, reimbursement, and consumer liability depend on the facts, payment type, timing, and applicable law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if an online store is fake?
Check the web address, seller information, return policy, reviews, and contact details. Be cautious with unusually low prices and ads that pressure you to buy immediately.
Are social media shopping ads always safe?
No. An ad appearing on a social platform does not guarantee that the seller or offer is legitimate. Research the seller independently before buying.
What should I keep after an online purchase?
Keep receipts, order confirmations, seller messages, shipping information, and payment records until the transaction is complete and you are satisfied with the purchase.
Related Reading:
Don’t Fall for Fraud: Common Holiday Scams to Watch This Season
Before You Give: How to Spot a Charity Scam
Harvesting More Than Pumpkins: How Scammers Collect Your Information
Holiday Marketplace Scams: Buying and Selling Safely Online