Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to get a head start on holiday shopping. But while you're looking for a good deal, scammers are looking for ways to take advantage of the season.
From fake shopping websites to suspicious delivery texts, holiday scams can put your personal information and hard-earned money at risk.
The good news? A little extra awareness can go a long way.
How can you avoid Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams include fake shopping websites, phishing emails, fraudulent delivery notifications and social media shopping scams. You can protect yourself by shopping with trusted retailers, avoiding suspicious links, using secure payment methods and monitoring your bank accounts for unusual activity.
At Heritage Bank, we believe the more you know, the better you'll manage your money. Here's what to watch for and how to shop safely this holiday season.
What Are the Most Common Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams are fraudulent offers, messages or transactions designed to steal your money or personal information during the holiday shopping season.
Scammers often take advantage of the excitement surrounding holiday deals to make their messages seem legitimate. Here are five scams worth knowing about before you start shopping.
1. Fake Online Shopping Websites
You find a great deal on a popular item. The website looks legitimate and the price is hard to pass up.
There may be just one problem: The website is fake.
Scammers create websites that look like familiar retailers to collect payment information or take your money without delivering the merchandise.
How to protect yourself:
- Shop directly through a retailer's official website.
- Check the website address for misspellings or unfamiliar domains.
- Research unfamiliar retailers before making a purchase.
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.
2. Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Have you ever received a message claiming you've won a holiday giveaway or that your online order needs attention?
It could be a scam.
Phishing messages are designed to trick you into clicking a link, sharing personal information or providing payment details. During the holiday shopping season, scammers may impersonate retailers, delivery companies or even your bank.
How to protect yourself:
- Pause before clicking unexpected links.
- Verify promotions through the retailer's official website.
- Never share passwords, PINs or secure access codes in response to an unsolicited message.
- Contact the company directly if you're unsure whether a message is legitimate.
3. Fake Package Delivery Notifications
Holiday shopping means more packages on the way. That also means more opportunities for scammers to send fake delivery notifications.
A text might claim your package is delayed because of an address issue or a small unpaid fee. The link could lead to a fake website designed to collect your personal or financial information.
How to protect yourself:
- Track packages through the retailer's website or official shipping carrier.
- Avoid clicking unexpected delivery links.
- Verify delivery issues directly with the shipping company.
- Be cautious of requests for unexpected fees.
4. Social Media Shopping Scams
Social media can be a great place to discover holiday deals. Unfortunately, scammers use it to promote fake products and fraudulent online stores.
An advertisement may feature a popular product at an unbelievable price. Once you make the purchase, the merchandise may never arrive.
How to protect yourself:
- Research the seller before making a purchase.
- Look for independent reviews and a legitimate online presence.
- Review the retailer's return and refund policies.
- Use payment methods that offer purchase protection.
- Avoid sellers requesting gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
5. Bank Account and Payment Fraud
Scammers may try to access your online shopping accounts or financial information using stolen passwords, phishing messages or other tactics.
Once they have access, they may make unauthorized purchases or attempt to use your financial information.
How to protect yourself:
- Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
- Enable multifactor authentication whenever available.
- Avoid sharing your banking credentials or security codes.
- Review your bank and credit card transactions regularly.
- Set up available account and transaction alerts.
How Can You Shop Safely on Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
A few simple habits can help you enjoy holiday shopping without putting your financial information at unnecessary risk.
Before You Shop
Take a few minutes to prepare your accounts and devices.
- Update your computer, smartphone and security software.
- Create strong, unique passwords for shopping accounts.
- Enable multifactor authentication when available.
- Research unfamiliar retailers.
- Review your bank's available security tools and account alerts.
Heritage Bank SecureAlerts provide real-time notifications about activity such as purchases, logins and balance changes, helping you spot unfamiliar transactions sooner. Customize the alerts you receive and choose delivery by email, text or both so you can stay informed without waiting for your next statement.
While You Shop
A little extra attention can help you avoid common scams.
- Shop through trusted websites and verified retailers.
- Check website addresses before entering payment information.
- Be cautious of urgent offers and unusually large discounts.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or text messages.
- Never share your online banking credentials or secure access codes.
After You Shop
Your fraud prevention habits shouldn't end when you check out.
- Review your bank and credit card transactions regularly.
- Enable transaction alerts when available.
- Save receipts and order confirmations.
- Report unauthorized transactions promptly.
- Contact your financial institution if something doesn't look right.
What Should You Do If You Fall Victim to a Holiday Shopping Scam?
If you think you've been targeted by a scam, don't panic. Taking action quickly can help limit potential damage.
If you suspect fraud, contact your financial institution immediately and take steps to secure any compromised accounts.
Here's where to start:
- Contact your bank or card issuer. Report suspicious transactions immediately and ask about securing your account or card.
- Change compromised passwords. Update passwords for affected accounts and any other accounts using the same credentials.
- Review account activity. Look for unauthorized transactions or unusual activity.
- Secure your information. Enable available security measures and account alerts.
- Report the scam. Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
If you believe your Heritage Bank account information has been compromised, call (859) 869-2999 or contact your branch.
How Does Heritage Bank Help Customers Protect Against Fraud?
At Heritage Bank, protecting your financial information is an important part of the banking relationship.
We believe customers who understand money are better equipped to make confident financial decisions. That's why we provide resources to help you recognize scams, protect your accounts and stay informed about potential fraud risks.
Here are a few ways to help protect your financial information:
- Keep your online banking credentials secure.
- Monitor your account activity and transaction history.
- Enable SecureAlerts for real time account alerts.
- Contact us promptly if you notice suspicious activity.
For more helpful information, visit our fraud prevention and security resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams
Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams common?
Yes. The increase in online shopping and promotional messages during the holiday season creates more opportunities for scammers.
Common scams include fake shopping websites, phishing emails, fraudulent social media advertisements and fake delivery notifications.
How can I tell if a Black Friday deal is a scam?
Be cautious if a deal comes from an unfamiliar retailer, advertises an unusually low price or pressures you to make an immediate purchase.
Research the seller independently and verify the offer through the retailer's official website before providing payment information.
Is it safe to shop online during Cyber Monday?
Yes. Online shopping can be safe when you use trusted retailers, secure payment methods and strong account security practices.
Avoid suspicious links, verify website addresses and monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized activity.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious text from my bank?
Don't click links or share personal information in response to an unexpected message.
Contact your bank directly using a verified phone number or official website to determine whether the message is legitimate.
How can I protect my bank account during the holiday shopping season?
Use strong, unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication and monitor your transactions regularly.
Never share your online banking credentials, PIN or secure access codes with anyone.
Shop Smart. Stay Secure. Enjoy the Season.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday should be about finding great deals and getting a head start on the holidays.
With a little extra awareness, you can recognize common scams, protect your personal information and shop with greater confidence.
At Heritage Bank, we're here to help you make informed financial decisions and protect what matters most.
The more you know, the better you'll manage your money.
Visit Heritage Bank's fraud prevention resources for more tips on recognizing scams and protecting your financial information.