With Black Friday rapidly approaching, UK shoppers are being urged to exercise extreme caution as cyber security experts issue stark warnings over sophisticated online scams. Brits are predicted to spend an astonishing £14 billion on November 28, a dramatic surge of £4 billion compared to 2024.
How to Spot a Black Friday Scam
Consumer champion Which? has identified several critical red flags that should alert shoppers to potential fraud. One of the most telling signs is an unrealistically low price that is inconsistent with offers on other, established websites.
Nathaniel Jones from the cyber security firm Darktrace provided a specific example of how criminals trick consumers. “Scammers will turn John Lewis into J0hn Lewis (with a zero) … to trick rushed consumers,” he explained, highlighting the use of impersonated URLs.
Other major warning signs include poorly designed web pages that often lack essential information such as a privacy policy, a postal address, or an 'about us' section. Payment methods are also a key indicator; any site requesting a direct bank transfer or demanding payment in cryptocurrency should be treated with immediate suspicion, as these are methods frequently used by criminals.
The Changing Landscape of Black Friday Shopping
This heightened warning comes as research from e-commerce marketing firm Omnisend suggests that around a third of UK shoppers plan to spend more this year than they did in 2024. The average spend per person is now estimated to be £299, a massive increase from the £83 spent per person last year.
While Amazon remains the most popular destination for bargain hunters, newer platforms like Temu, Shein, and TikTok Shop are gaining significant traction. Fashion and accessories continue to dominate shopping lists, with 49% of people looking to purchase more clothes this Black Friday.
Staying Safe in the Sales Frenzy
The core advice from experts is to be vigilant about the source of any deal. Fake offers can arrive via email or pop up in social media feeds from brand-new accounts designed to look legitimate. Always verify a website's authenticity before entering any payment details.
By being aware of these common tactics and red flags, shoppers can focus on securing genuine bargains without falling victim to the criminals looking to exploit the holiday spending frenzy.
