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Black Friday Scams 2026: What to Watch For

Black Friday is November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Scammers plan for the same dates you do. Here are the scams to expect and the steps to take before you start shopping.

Scams to watch for

Fake stores behind social media ads

Scammers impersonate real companies and run ads for brand-name products at unusually low prices. The link can lead to a site that takes your money for a counterfeit, an item that looks nothing like the ad, or nothing at all (FTC consumer alert). Use our "Is this store legit?" checklist before you pay.

Lookalike sites and sponsored search results

Fake sites can copy a real store and use an address that's off by a letter or two (BBB). Scammers also buy sponsored ads that put impostor sites at the top of search results (BBB Scam Alert). Type the store's address yourself or use its official app.

"Deal" emails and texts that are really phishing

CISA warns that scammers are getting better at impersonating real retailers, and advises against clicking links or opening attachments unless you're sure of the sender (CISA).

Fake delivery problems

Texts claiming a carrier needs you to "update delivery preferences" by clicking a link are a scam (BBB), and CISA says to be wary of requests to confirm your delivery address (CISA). Check orders on the store's or carrier's official site. More in our USPS package text scam guide.

Fake "going out of business" sales

Fake closing-down sale sites advertise huge discounts, sometimes up to 90% off, often through online or social media ads, and the merchandise never arrives (BBB Scam Alert).

Pay-another-way requests

If a seller says you can only pay with a gift card, wire transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency, it's probably a scam (FTC consumer alert). See our gift card scam guide.

Fake charities

Holiday giving draws scammers too. CISA lists fake charities among the ways criminals target holiday shoppers (CISA). Give through charities you look up yourself, not through a link in a message.

Before you shop: a 5-minute checklist

Update your phone and computer software (CISA).
Use strong, unique passwords, at least 16 characters, ideally from a password manager (CISA).
Turn on multifactor authentication for shopping, email and bank accounts (CISA).
Pick a credit card for online purchases rather than a debit card (CISA).
Keep records: receipts and order confirmation numbers help you get money back if something goes wrong (FTC consumer alert).

While you shop

Search the seller's name and the site address plus "review", "complaint" or "scam" before you buy (FTC consumer alert).
Don't treat the padlock or "https" as proof a store is real (FTC).
Check your accounts often for charges you didn't make, and contact your bank right away if you see one (CISA).

Got a "deal" text or email that feels off? Paste it into the free scam checker. It runs only in your browser.

If you already paid

Act fast. The FTC's advice depends on how you paid:

Credit or debit card: call the card company, report the fraudulent charge and ask them to reverse it.
Bank transfer or wire: contact your bank or the wire company (such as Western Union or MoneyGram) right away and ask them to reverse the transfer.
Payment app (Zelle, Cash App, Venmo): report it to the app and to your bank, and ask for a reversal.
Gift card: contact the company that issued the card, tell them it was used in a scam, and keep the card and receipt.
Cryptocurrency: crypto payments usually can't be reversed. Contact the exchange you used and report to IC3.gov.
Cash by mail or courier: report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or the delivery company and the FTC.
You gave a password or code: change that password now, turn on two-step verification and check for changes you didn't make.
You gave your Social Security number: visit IdentityTheft.gov and consider a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Watch for "recovery" scams. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is likely another scammer.

How to report it

FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your personal information was misused, also go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
FBI: IC3.gov (the Internet Crime Complaint Center), especially if you lost money online or in crypto.
Your bank or card company: call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message.
Scam texts: forward them to 7726 (SPAM), then delete and block.

Related scam guides

Sources

FTC consumer alert, "How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season" (Nov 25, 2025). https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/how-avoid-online-shopping-scam-holiday-season
FTC, "Online Shopping". https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping
BBB, "How to identify a fake website". https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-identify-a-fake-website
BBB Scam Alert, "That sponsored ad might be a scam. Here's how to tell.". https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/31685-bbb-scam-alert-that-sponsored-ad-might-be-a-scam-heres-how-to-tell
BBB, "Smart shopping online". https://www.bbb.org/all/online-shopping/smart-shopping-online
BBB Scam Alert, "How to spot a fake 'going out of business' sale". https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer/scam/fake-going-out-of-business-sales
CISA, "Shop Safely Online This Holiday Season with Tips from Secure Our World". https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/shop-safely-online-holiday-season-tips-secure-our-world
CISA, "#SecureTheSeason: Holiday Online Shopping Safety". https://www.cisa.gov/securetheseason-holiday-online-shopping-safety

Last reviewed 2026-10-13.