10 Worst Black Friday Scams In 2026 and How To Avoid Them

Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring major discounts, but they also give scammers opportunities to trick shoppers with fake deals, fraudulent websites, and delivery notifications. Artificial intelligence is making some of these scams harder to recognize, with convincing storefronts, advertisements, and messages that can imitate legitimate retailers.

Even savvy shoppers can get fooled, so knowing what to watch for before you buy is essential. Here are 10 Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams to avoid, how to spot suspicious deals, and what to do if you've already been scammed.

10 fake Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to watch out for

Shopping scams aren't limited to unfamiliar websites. Fraudsters can impersonate major retailers, send fake shipping alerts, place misleading ads on social media, and create convincing checkout pages that collect payment information without delivering anything.

AI has also made it easier to produce realistic product images, promotional messages, and storefront content. As our reporting on AI-powered holiday shopping scams explains, even automated shopping assistants can fall for fraudulent sellers.

Knowing how these scams work can help you recognize suspicious offers before you lose money or expose sensitive information.

1. Fake coupons and vouchers

Black Friday shoppers often search for extra discounts, which makes fake coupons and promotional codes an appealing tactic for scammers. You might see an advertisement, email, or social media post offering an unusually generous coupon from a familiar retailer.

To claim the discount, you may be asked to complete a survey, provide personal information, or sign up for an unrelated service. Some fake coupon pages redirect visitors to suspicious websites, while others collect contact information for future spam or phishing attempts.

Be particularly cautious of offers that require payment information just to unlock a coupon or claim a supposedly free gift.

2. Spoofed shopping sites

Fake shopping websites imitate legitimate retailers to trick customers into entering their payment and personal information. Scammers may copy brand logos, product images, descriptions, and customer service details, making fraudulent stores difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

In September 2026, researchers identified a fake-store network called DoppelCart involving nearly 119,000 domains and impersonating more than 44,000 brands. Some of the sites copied familiar retailers and advertised discounts of up to 65%, while their checkout pages could collect shoppers' payment details and other information. Read our report on fake online stores copying legitimate brands for more details.

Scammers can also use AI to generate polished product descriptions and realistic storefronts. That means poor grammar or an unprofessional design is no longer a reliable warning sign.

3. Account verification scams

Scammers may send emails or text messages claiming there's a problem with your shopping account. The message might say your account has been locked, a suspicious purchase was detected, or you need to verify your identity before completing an order.

These messages are a form of phishing. Their goal is to persuade you to click a link and enter your password, payment information, or one-time verification code on a fraudulent website.

AI-generated phishing messages can be polished and personalized, so don't assume a message is trustworthy simply because it looks professional or contains accurate details about a retailer.

4. Fake delivery notifications

With multiple holiday orders on the way, it can be difficult to keep track of every package. Scammers take advantage of this by sending fake delivery notifications that appear to come from USPS, UPS, FedEx, or another shipping company.

These messages often claim a package couldn't be delivered because of an incorrect address, unpaid fee, or missing information. They may contain a link to a fake tracking page that asks for your address, payment details, or other sensitive information.

This type of text-message scam is known as smishing. Fraudsters may also impersonate delivery companies by phone or email.

5. Fake order confirmation

You might receive an email, text, or phone call confirming an expensive purchase you never made. The message may include an order number, a large charge, and instructions to contact customer support to cancel.

The supposed support number could connect you to a scammer who asks for your banking information, login credentials, or remote access to your device. Other messages contain malicious attachments disguised as invoices or cancellation forms.

These scams rely on surprise and urgency. Scammers want you to react to the unfamiliar charge before checking whether it actually exists.

6. Non-delivery scam

In a non-delivery scam, you pay for a product that never arrives. The seller may operate a fake storefront, post misleading marketplace listings, or advertise discounted products that aren't actually available.

Some fraudulent sellers send fake tracking numbers or provide vague shipping updates to delay complaints. Others disappear after collecting payment. Unlike a legitimate shipping delay, the seller may stop responding or provide no credible evidence that the order was shipped.

These scams can be especially effective during Black Friday because shoppers may expect shipping delays and may be tempted to purchase from unfamiliar stores offering steep discounts.

7. Billing error scams

Billing error scams use fake invoices, payment notices, or refund messages to convince you something went wrong with a transaction.

You may receive an invoice for a product you never ordered or a message claiming your payment failed and needs updating. Some scammers send fraudulent PayPal invoices through legitimate payment platforms, making the notification appear more credible.

The message may direct you to a fake payment page or support number, where scammers attempt to collect financial information or persuade you to authorize a payment.

8. Gift card scams

Gift cards are popular holiday purchases, but scammers exploit them in several ways. A fraudulent seller might insist that you pay for merchandise using gift cards, or someone may advertise discounted gift cards that have already been redeemed.

Physical gift cards can also be tampered with before purchase, letting criminals drain their balances after activation. Fake gift card websites and giveaways may collect personal information or direct shoppers to malicious downloads.

Gift cards are especially risky when used to pay an unfamiliar seller because recovering the money can be difficult once you've shared the card number and PIN.

9. Fake charity organizations

The holiday season also brings increased charitable giving. Scammers may create fake donation pages, impersonate established charities, or send urgent messages asking for contributions to causes that sound legitimate.

Fraudulent appeals may circulate through social media advertisements, emails, text messages, or crowdfunding campaigns. AI-generated images and stories can make these requests more convincing, but emotional appeals alone don't prove an organization is trustworthy.

10. Facebook listing scams

Facebook Marketplace and other social shopping platforms can be convenient places to find Black Friday deals, but fraudulent listings and impersonation scams can put buyers and sellers at risk.

Common tactics include:

• Advertising products that don't exist or sending counterfeit goods
• Requesting deposits or advance payments before disappearing
• Sending links to fake payment or delivery websites
• Using stolen product photos or fake profiles to impersonate legitimate sellers
• Asking for verification codes to take over accounts or set up services using your phone number

Scammers may also promote fake shopping websites through social media ads. As our reporting on fraudulent ads on Google and Meta explains, a sponsored advertisement doesn't mean the advertiser has been verified as trustworthy.

For more examples, see our guides to Facebook Marketplace scams and Google Voice scams.

How to spot a fake Black Friday deal

A convincing website or advertisement doesn't guarantee that a Black Friday offer is legitimate. Before purchasing from an unfamiliar retailer, take a few minutes to verify the deal and the business behind it.

• Check the seller's website: Look closely at the domain name and compare it with the retailer's official website. Be suspicious of extra words, unusual spelling, or unfamiliar domains that imitate a known brand.
• Compare prices: Search for the same product at established retailers. A dramatically lower price isn't proof of fraud, but it should prompt additional research.
• Research the business: Look for independent reviews, customer complaints, and a credible return policy. Search for the retailer's name alongside terms such as "scam" or "complaints."
• Examine payment options: Be wary of sellers who insist on gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or direct payments through peer-to-peer apps.
• Verify the offer independently: If you discovered a deal through an advertisement, email, or social media post, visit the retailer's official website or app to confirm it exists.
• Watch for pressure tactics: Countdown timers, limited-stock warnings, and claims that you must act immediately can encourage rushed decisions.

AI-generated shopping sites can look professional and include realistic images, polished descriptions, and convincing customer testimonials. Our guide to AI scams explains why familiar warning signs, such as spelling mistakes, aren't always enough to identify fraud.

How to boost your Black Friday cybersecurity

Recognizing common scams matters, but a few extra precautions can help protect your personal information and finances throughout the holiday shopping season.

Don't click suspicious links

Unexpected links in emails, text messages, advertisements, and social media posts can lead to phishing pages or malicious downloads. Before clicking, check the sender and consider whether you were expecting the message.

On a computer, hovering over a link may reveal its destination. However, the displayed address can still be misleading, and mobile devices don't always make it easy to inspect links. When possible, visit the company's official website or app directly instead.

Browser security tools can provide another layer of protection. For example, Guardio offers browser-based protection against phishing and malicious websites. However, no security tool can identify every scam, so you should still verify unfamiliar shopping links.

Check online reviews

Look for independent reviews before purchasing from an unfamiliar seller. Check multiple sources rather than relying entirely on testimonials displayed on the retailer's own website.

Watch for complaints about missing orders, counterfeit products, unexpected charges, or difficulty contacting customer support. Reviews that appear unusually repetitive, generic, or overwhelmingly positive may also deserve closer scrutiny.

AI-generated reviews can make fraudulent stores appear credible. Some sellers also manipulate marketplace rankings through practices such as Amazon brushing scams, which can involve sending unsolicited products to support fake reviews.

Even positive reviews don't guarantee a retailer is legitimate, so consider them alongside the seller's history, payment options, and return policies.

Verify shopping websites before paying

HTTPS indicates that information transmitted between your browser and a website is encrypted. However, it doesn't establish that the business operating the site is legitimate. Scam websites can use HTTPS certificates, too. (The ChatGPT download scam is a perfect example.)

Instead of relying on a padlock symbol, trust seal, or professional design, check the domain name carefully and confirm that you're shopping on the retailer's official website. Watch for unfamiliar domains, unexpected redirects, and checkout pages that request information unrelated to your purchase.

Fake stores can copy legitimate branding and customer service details, so a familiar logo or recognizable product photos aren't sufficient proof of authenticity.

Be cautious when shopping with AI assistants

AI shopping assistants can help compare products and identify deals, but they may not reliably distinguish legitimate retailers from fraudulent storefronts.

In 2026, our reporting on AI shopping agents and security risks highlighted concerns from major banks about giving automated tools access to payment information and the authority to complete purchases.

If you use an AI assistant to find Black Friday deals, verify the seller independently before purchasing. Consider using the assistant for research while completing checkout yourself, and limit its access to saved payment methods and other sensitive information.

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software can help detect malicious downloads and websites associated with phishing or malware. Some products also provide real-time web protection that warns you before visiting known dangerous pages. Look for antivirus with web protection features that may help identify certain malicious websites and downloads while you shop.

However, antivirus software can't guarantee that an unfamiliar retailer will deliver your order or refund a fraudulent purchase. It's an additional security measure, not a replacement for checking the seller.

Consider a VPN on public Wi-Fi

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic between your device and the VPN server, which can provide additional privacy when shopping on public Wi-Fi networks. Look for a VPN with additional security tools that can help block certain malicious domains and trackers.

However, a VPN doesn't verify whether a shopping website is legitimate or prevent you from voluntarily entering payment information on a fraudulent checkout page.

Use a credit card instead of a debit card

Credit cards generally offer stronger protections for disputed purchases than debit cards, particularly because unauthorized charges don't immediately remove money from your checking account.

Some credit cards also offer purchase protection or extended warranties, although these benefits vary by issuer and card.

For unfamiliar online retailers, avoid payment methods that are difficult to reverse, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, and direct transfers to strangers. Payment apps may offer purchase protections for eligible transactions, but those protections don't necessarily apply to personal transfers.

Protect your personal information

Only provide the information necessary to complete a legitimate purchase. Be suspicious of websites asking for your Social Security number, banking credentials, or verification codes when you're simply trying to buy a product.

Scammers can combine information collected through fake shopping sites with details exposed in data breaches or available online to carry out more targeted phishing and identity theft attempts.

Use unique passwords for shopping accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available. If you receive an unexpected request to verify your account, open the retailer's official website or app rather than responding through the message.

Be careful with social media shopping

Social media can help you discover deals, but sponsored advertisements and marketplace listings aren't automatically trustworthy. Scammers may use fake accounts, copied product photos, and convincing promotional videos to advertise products that don't exist.

Verify unfamiliar sellers before paying, and avoid moving transactions to private messaging apps or sending deposits to strangers. If a social media advertisement promotes a familiar retailer, visit the retailer's official website to confirm the offer.

What to do if you've been scammed on Black Friday or Cyber Monday

If you think you've fallen for a Black Friday scam, your next steps depend on whether you lost money, shared personal information, or downloaded something malicious. Acting quickly may improve your chances of limiting the damage.

• If you paid for a fraudulent purchase: Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately. Explain what happened, ask about disputing the transaction, and request a replacement card if your payment details were exposed.
• If you paid with a gift card: Contact the gift card issuer as soon as possible, provide the card number and receipt if available, and ask whether the remaining balance can be recovered. See our guide to gift card scams.
• If you used a payment app: Report the transaction through the service and ask whether it's eligible for a dispute or purchase protection. Recovery may depend on how you paid and whether you authorized the transaction. Our guide to PayPal scams explains common risks.
• If you entered a password on a fake website: Change the password immediately on the legitimate site, update any other accounts using the same password, and enable two-factor authentication. A password manager can help you use unique passwords.
• If you downloaded a suspicious file: Stop opening or interacting with it, update your security software, and run a full scan with reputable antivirus software. If you suspect malware has compromised your device, avoid accessing sensitive accounts on it until the issue is resolved.
• If you shared sensitive personal information: Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. Depending on what was exposed, consider a credit freeze and report suspected identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov.
• Report the scam: Submit a report to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also report internet-related fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Report fraudulent listings or advertisements to the platform where you encountered them.

Save screenshots, receipts, emails, tracking information, and any communication with the seller. These records may help when disputing a payment or reporting the fraud.

Bottom line

Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams can look like legitimate deals, delivery updates, or messages from familiar retailers. In 2026, AI-generated storefronts and convincing advertisements make it even more important to verify sellers rather than relying on professional design, HTTPS, or positive reviews alone.

Before buying, confirm you're on the retailer's official website, research unfamiliar businesses, and choose payment methods with strong dispute protections. Be especially cautious of unusually steep discounts, unexpected verification requests, and sellers who pressure you to pay immediately.

Security tools such as antivirus software can help protect against malicious links and downloads, while identity theft protection services may help monitor for certain signs of personal information misuse. Neither can guarantee protection from shopping scams, so careful verification remains your best first step.

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