Black Friday is back on 28 November, closely followed by Cyber Monday on 1 December.

These two days have become a festive tradition, with retailers offering big discounts on everything from homeware to tech.

But while the deals can be tempting, fraudsters are also gearing up for the season. Last year, UK online sales on Black Friday topped £1 billion, and with that surge came a spike in scams.

If you’re hunting for bargains, make sure you’re not giving criminals an early Christmas present. Here are some essential tips to shop safely:

• • • Secure your accounts:
      Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) using apps like Microsoft Authenticator or hardware security keys. This adds an extra layer of protection, even if someone gets hold of your password.
    • Check the seller:
      Research the retailer before you buy. Look for reviews on trusted sites and compare prices. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Watch out for fake sites:
      Be cautious of newly created websites or social media pages, especially those lacking an “About Us” section or privacy policy. Use tools like Whois to check domain details. Beware of sites impersonating well-known brands.
    • Check the reviews:
      Bad reviews are a red flag, but fake positive reviews are common too. Look for balanced feedback from verified buyers.
    • Pay securely:
      Avoid storing card details on websites and steer clear of sellers who only accept bank transfers. Credit cards often offer better protection. If using Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal, check what buyer protection they provide.
    • Beware of delivery scams:
      If you get unexpected messages or calls about deliveries, pause before clicking links or sharing details. Follow the Take Five mantra: STOP, CHALLENGE, PROTECT. Contact the company directly to confirm. Do not click links in unexpected messages.

Useful links:
Stop Think Fraud
Take five – Stop Fraud
Action Fraud
The National Cyber Security Centre