Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become key dates in the UK shopping calendar. From high-street retailers to online giants, the rush for discounts is intense — and cybercriminals are counting on it. As shoppers hunt for bargains, scammers look for opportunities. Understanding the risks and knowing how to protect yourself will help you avoid a costly mistake.
Every year, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and major UK banks warn of a sharp rise in online scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here are some of the most common:
Phishing emails and texts — Messages pretending to be from retailers like Amazon, Currys, or Argos, often saying there’s a delivery issue or “special offer.” They link to fake sites designed to steal your details.
Fake websites and social media ads — Scammers clone trusted brands or run bogus ads on platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, offering unbelievable deals that never arrive.
Payment scams — Fraudsters may ask you to pay by bank transfer instead of a secure checkout system. Once the money’s gone, it’s almost impossible to get back.
Malware and data theft — Clicking a malicious link can infect your device with software that records passwords or financial information.
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Check the website URL — Always ensure it begins with “https” and includes the correct domain (for example, “.co.uk” not “.com” if you’re buying from a UK site). Fake retailers often use small spelling errors to trick people.
Ignore suspicious messages — Delivery company scams are rampant. If you receive a text from “Royal Mail” or “Evri” asking for a fee to redeliver a parcel, delete it immediately. These are common phishing attempts.
Watch out for pressure tactics — Scammers thrive on urgency. Claims like “Only 2 left!” or “Offer expires in 10 minutes!” are designed to stop you thinking clearly.
Verify unfamiliar retailers — Before buying from a new site, search for reviews on Trustpilot or look it up on Companies House. If the company doesn’t exist or has no history, walk away.
Use strong passwords and 2FA. Never reuse passwords across shopping sites. Use a password manager if needed and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Shop on secure connections. Avoid using public Wi-Fi in cafés or shopping centres. If you must, connect through mobile data or a trusted VPN.
Stick to secure payment methods. Use credit cards or payment services such as PayPal or Apple Pay — they offer Section 75 or buyer protection if a purchase goes wrong. Never pay by bank transfer to a private account.
Keep software and devices updated. Make sure your phone, laptop, and browser have the latest security patches installed to block known vulnerabilities.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be great opportunities to save money — but scammers know how to exploit the hype. If you stay alert, question every deal, and stick to secure shopping habits, you can enjoy the bargains safely.
For extra guidance, visit the National Cyber Security Centre (ncsc.gov.uk) or Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) for up-to-date scam alerts and advice.
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