Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Spotting Fake Deals and Fraudulent Sites
The holiday shopping season is one of the most exciting times of the year. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals popping up everywhere, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of scoring a bargain. Unfortunately, scammers know this too—and they work overtime to trick shoppers with fake deals, fraudulent websites, and convincing messages. That’s why it’s important to stay alert and use smart fraud scam information prevention strategies while you shop.
Deals too good to be true
Fraudsters create websites that look like real stores but exist only to steal your money or information. Always double-check the URL—look for misspellings or extra words added to a brand name. Make sure the site has “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar. If something feels off, close the page and go directly to the retailer’s official site instead.
phishing emails and texts
This time of year, inboxes and phones fill up with messages claiming “exclusive Black Friday” or “limited-time Cyber Monday” deals. Many of these contain links to fake login pages designed to steal your account credentials. Instead of clicking, type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser or use their official app.
Social media and online ads
Scammers also use social media ads to push fake sales or create phony store pages. Even if an ad looks professional, it can still be fraudulent. Before buying, check reviews, look for verified accounts, and avoid sending money through unfamiliar payment methods.
safe shopping tips
You don’t have to avoid online shopping altogether—just take smart steps to protect yourself:
- Use a credit card when shopping online, since it offers stronger fraud protection than debit cards.
- Shop through trusted apps and websites rather than clicking on random links.
- Monitor your accounts regularly so you can spot suspicious transactions quickly.
- Take advantage of KEMBA’s card lock feature for extra peace of mind when you’re not using your card.
shop smart, stay safe
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are meant to be fun and rewarding, not stressful. With the right fraud scam information prevention habits, you can enjoy the sales without falling for a scammer’s tricks. If you ever have questions about keeping your money safe—or notice unusual activity on your account.
kemba is here to help!
f you ever have questions about a suspicious message or need help protecting your account, please reach out. Our team is here to support you and keep your financial information safe.