It’s one of the biggest shopping days of the year, but it can also be one of the most risky. In the lead up to Black Friday next week, it’s estimated millions of shoppers will be targeted by scammers looking to blend in with the holiday rush and steal your hard-earned cash. But how do you spot the fake deals from the real ones? Consumer expert Alexis Conran is here to make sure you shop safely this Black Friday.
Top tips to protect against online scammers
Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have oneMost major credit card providers protect online purchases and are obliged to refund you in certain circumstances.
Never pay via bank transferMake sure all payments are made through the platform you’re using.
Search for deals yourselfFraudsters use social media to post scam offers and they can even send them straight to your inbox.
Never click a link without checking firstCheck any offer that comes by text or email to make sure it’s genuine – Call the sender to find out using a number you trust, not one in a message, or visit the website to check.
Low prices and great deals can hide scamsSee if you can find them elsewhere and remember, if an item is selling out, fraudsters can charge more to trick desperate buyers.
Make sure a seller or website is genuineLook for good reviews from different buyers, be wary of mixed, bad or no reviews at all. It’s better to buy from a trusted retailer.
Ask questions before you buyIf an item is…
