Black Friday is nearly here, bringing with it the promise of amazing deals. But while the discounts are exciting, the frenzy, the crowds, and the constant barrage of ads can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed. And nothing sours the mood faster than falling victim to a scam.
At Arvest, we want your holiday season to be bright, not blue with regret. So, take a deep breath, grab your favorite warm drink, and let’s go over the dos and don’ts of Black Friday shopping to keep your spirits (and your finances) high.
Tips to Keep Your Online Spirit Bright
The convenience of online shopping is a blessing, but scammers love to lurk there, turning your potential savings into a major headache. Let’s make sure your digital cart doesn’t lead to the blues.
Tip #1: Check your Digital Security
- Password Power-Up: Give your online shopping accounts strong, unique passwords. Don’t reuse passwords across different sites.
- Enable Automatic Updates: Running the latest version of software helps ensure the manufacturer is still supporting it and providing patches for vulnerabilities.
- Lock Down Your Accounts with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enabling MFA, such as a code sent to your phone after your password or an authentication app, makes it much harder for scammers to get into your accounts.
Tip #2: Only Shop Through Trusted Sources
- Verify “Amazing” Deals: If an offer seems unbelievably cheap, do a quick search for that item on the retailer’s official website by typing the store’s URL directly into your browser or using their official app. Scammers often use enticing but fake deals to lure you into clicking links.
- Stick to Your Tried-and-True Stores: Clicking a link to an unknown site can get you more than a bargain.
- Don’t Click Suspicious Links: An email offering an “exclusive” Black Friday deal from a store you rarely shop at is likely a phishing scam. Hover over links before you click to see where they actually lead.
- Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi: While free Wi-Fi may be convenient, it’s often not secure, and your financial information could be easily intercepted. Stick to your secure home network for all your Black Friday purchases.
Tip #3: Use Safe Payment Methods
- Opt for Credit Card Comfort: When shopping online, using a credit card offers an extra layer of protection. It’s usually easier to dispute fraudulent charges and protect your bank account directly.
- Be an Account Detective: Make it a habit to check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Catching strange activity early can save you a lot of trouble.
- Don’t Pay in Strange Ways: If a seller insists on payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, run the other way! These payments are nearly impossible to trace or get back if you’re scammed.
Watch For These Scams:
- Fake Websites: Scammers create fake websites mimicking your favorite stores, complete with logos and product images.
- Phishing Emails & Texts: Messages seemingly from big retailers about “amazing deals” or “shipping issues.”
- “Missed Delivery” Scams: A fake email, text, or door tag about a “missed delivery” with a link or phone number to reschedule.
- Gift Card Gimmicks: Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. Never buy a gift card because someone tells you to buy one and give them the numbers for payment.
- Social Media “Deals” That Are Too Good: Be wary of pop-up ads on social media offering luxury items at rock-bottom prices.
- Charity Scams (Exploiting Holiday Spirit): Giving is great, but be cautious, especially around the giving season. Always verify charities through official sources like the FTC, IRS, or Better Business Bureau.
- QR Code Scams: Be wary of packages, flyers, or emails containing QR codes that promise amazing deals or prompt you to “verify” delivery details.
By staying sharp, recognizing these common scam tactics, and following these simple safety tips, you can navigate Black Friday like a pro and avoid those post-shopping blues. Remember, if a deal feels off, trust your gut.
If you ever suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam or see suspicious activity on your accounts, contact Arvest immediately. We’re here to help you keep your holidays bright and scam-free!