Expert details key mistake scammers make on Black Friday that could be 'biggest warning sign'

With the advent of online shopping, Black Friday has morphed from American mall sales day to an international digital frenzy lasting weeks. However, the usual warning signs of a scam, such as cybercriminals pushing you to make quick decisions or showing prices that are too good to be true, can just be common practice for genuine Black Friday sales, making it easier for scammers to blend in with real retailers.

Research by Lloyds Banking Group in 2021 showed a 29% rise in scams with shoppers losing more than £10million between November and January. But there are warning signs Brits could find to keep their hard-earned cash aimed towards the best legitimate sales, experts at ConvertBankStatement warned: “In this digital age, scepticism and caution are your best defences.”

Starting off, they warned Brits to be extra vigilant with any sales that have time-pressure elements such as limited-time offers, countdown times, or low stock offers. The red flags usually lie in any “aggressive” signs that give you little time to verify the deal. They suggested “taking a moment to step back and evaluate can be the difference between a smart purchase and falling for a scam.”

They also expect a surge of fake websites and email scams, among the countless real ones cropping up around Black Friday. Scam sites and emails can be easy to spot thanks to a few common mistakes cybercriminals make, such as slightly different URLs, names, or logos from the genuine business they’re copying.

This can include extra letters, numbers or spelling mistakes, sloppy website designs and an absence of contact information. The experts warned: "One of the most dangerous aspects of these fake websites is how convincing they can appear, even to experienced shoppers. A simple habit like manually typing a retailer's website into your browser instead of clicking on links can make all the difference in protecting your information."

Social media ads can also be used as lures leading people to fraudulent websites as the experts warned: “Scammers often rely on flashy ads and deep discounts to catch your eye, but taking an extra minute to verify the legitimacy of a deal can save you from falling victim to a scam. Always be cautious of unknown sellers or deals that seem too good to be true."