Ah, it’s that time of year when we’re all hungry for the same thing. No, not just turkey—I’m talking about great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday! But as we get swept up in the excitement and madness of the holiday sales, it’s important to remember that shopping smart also means shopping safely. Whether you’re braving the aisles in person or opting for the stay-home-and-shop-online route, this blog has 5 tips you need to know to keep your sensitive information safe from scammers. So, before you break out your credit cards this weekend, read on to learn more:

When Do Sales Start?

  • Black Friday 2025 starts November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1.
  • However, many sales can start as early as Thanksgiving evening!

Shop from Trusted Retailers

First things first, make sure you’re shopping in the right places this holiday season. It’s always a safe bet to stick with retailers you know and trust—whether that’s your favorite local shop or a big-name brand with a solid reputation. These familiar stores not only offer great prices and dependable customer service, but they also prioritize protecting your personal and financial information, no matter if you’re shopping in-store or online. Speaking of online shopping, be on the lookout for a little padlock symbol and “https” in a website’s URL. This ensures the site is secure and your payment details will be safe from prying eyes. And while those deals from unknown sellers might seem tempting, it’s best to trust your instincts. Always try to buy directly from the retailer’s website, not a third-party seller, and remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Protect Your Payment Information 

When you’re scoring those amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, make sure your payment method is just as secure as your shopping skills! To start, try using a credit card instead of a debit card, as credit cards offer stronger liability protection in case things go awry. It’s also a good idea to avoid saving your payment details on websites when shopping online. Otherwise, your information could be at risk of being stolen if the site ever experiences a breach. If you want to take your security up a notch, consider using a virtual card or a secure payment service like PayPal to act as a buffer between your bank account and the online retailer. And don’t forget your first line of defense against fraudsters—your password! Make sure to create a complex, unique password for every account and website you shop on (using “password123” isn’t going to cut it!). You can also use a password manager to keep everything organized, safe, and sound, and enable multi-factor authentication where necessary to add another shield against potential hackers.

Beware of Scams

You’re not the only one eyeing those amazing sales – scammers are ready to take advantage, too! Keep your guard up and watch out for suspicious emails from “Amazon,” claiming to offer a 90% off sale. Like we said, some deals really are too good to be true, and emails like this are often nothing more than phishing attempts trying to trick you into revealing your payment details. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on any links or attachments that seem off – they could contain malware. The same goes for suspicious websites. Scammers are experts at creating fake sites, so instead of clicking links from ads or emails, always go directly to the retailer’s official web address. Finally, when buying gift cards – whether in-store or online – inspect them carefully for any signs of tampering, and always buy from trusted retails to avoid getting duped.

Monitor for Fraud

After all your shopping is done, don’t forget to keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements! It’s always a good idea to regularly check for any unauthorized charges, especially after making multiple purchases. If something looks off, don’t wait! Be sure to contact your bank or card issuer right away to report any suspicious transactions. The quicker you act, the faster these institutions can catch any fraud. As long as you stay vigilant, you can enjoy your shopping spree without worry!

Other Tips for Shopping Safely

As you dive into the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind! First, avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks. While it’s tempting to snag a deal while sipping coffee at your favorite café, public Wi-Fi can be a hacker’s playground. If you do need to shop on the go, be sure to use a VPN to help keep your information safe and secure. And whether you’re navigating the chaos of a crowded store or hunting down the best deals online, stay vigilant! Keep your personal information close to the chest —literally. Be mindful of your belongings to avoid having your wallet swiped in a packed aisle. Additionally, protect your packages from porch pirates by having your online orders delivered to secure locations, such as a package locker or your local post office.

Summary

Whether you’re elbowing your way through crowded aisles or clicking away online, remember that a little caution goes a long way during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness. As long as you stay alert, keep your payments secure, and follow the tips outlined above, you’ll be able to conquer the sales with confidence. Now go grab those deals—happy (safe) shopping!