Black Friday is a fantastic opportunity for scoring amazing deals, but it’s also a prime time for cybercriminals to launch phishing scams. With the increase in online shopping comes an uptick in phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information, financial details, or even access to your accounts. These scams often look like legitimate emails, ads, or even text messages, promising deals that seem too good to be true—and they usually are. Here’s how you can stay safe and protect yourself from phishing attacks while shopping online this Black Friday.

1. Check the Sender’s Email Carefully

Before clicking on any email links, verify that the sender’s email address is legitimate. Phishing emails may look convincing at first glance but often have subtle signs of being fake, such as unusual email addresses, small typos, or misspelled names. Be especially cautious with emails claiming to be from popular retailers or services. Even if an email looks genuine, go to the retailer’s website directly by typing the URL into your browser instead of clicking on any links.

2. Avoid Unsolicited Links and Suspicious Ads

Cybercriminals often send unsolicited links through email or pop-up ads, enticing shoppers with seemingly incredible deals. If an ad or email link seems suspicious or unsolicited, don’t click on it. Instead, visit the retailer’s website by typing the address into your browser. Scammers frequently use fake ads or fake online stores that mimic real ones, so always be cautious and avoid going to sites through unfamiliar links.

3. Look for HTTPS on Websites

When shopping online, it’s essential to ensure that the website is secure, especially before entering any personal or payment information. A secure website will display “HTTPS” (rather than just “HTTP”) at the beginning of the URL, along with a padlock icon in the address bar. This security protocol encrypts your information, keeping it safer from cybercriminals. If a website lacks HTTPS or looks suspicious, it’s best to avoid entering any sensitive information.

4. Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals

Scammers often attract victims with deals that seem incredibly tempting—products listed at prices far below market value, gift cards for free, or “exclusive” offers. If a deal seems unrealistic, it’s probably a scam. Do a quick search to verify that the retailer is legitimate and check for customer reviews on independent websites. Also, remember that legitimate retailers won’t ask for sensitive information, like your Social Security number, to complete a purchase.

5. Use Credit, Not Debit

For added security, consider using a credit card instead of a debit card when shopping online. Credit cards generally offer more consumer protection in case of fraud, and your bank account won’t be directly affected if your information falls into the wrong hands. Many credit card companies offer additional fraud protection services as well, making it easier to
dispute any suspicious charges.

This Black Friday, stay alert and practice safe online shopping habits to avoid falling into phishing traps. Protect your information and shop with peace of mind!