Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Shop Smart, Stay Safe

Black Friday (28 November 2025) and Cyber Monday (1 December 2025) are now huge shopping events in the UK. What started as an American tradition is now a British phenomenon, with retailers slashing prices and shoppers racing for bargains.

But while these events can save you money, they also attract scammers. Last year, UK shoppers lost over £11.8 million to online shopping fraud during the festive season, a reminder that safety matters just as much as savings.

This guide is for everyone: whether you’re an older adult who feels less confident online, or a tech-savvy shopper who thinks you’ve seen it all. We’ll cover practical safety tips, explain key security terms, highlight common scams, and share Martin Lewis’ legendary advice for making sure your bargains are real.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shop Smart Stay Safe Advice

Why Black Friday and Cyber Monday Can Be Risky

These shopping days are busy and chaotic, perfect conditions for scammers. Here’s why:

High traffic = high risk: Millions of transactions mean more opportunities for fraudsters.
AI-powered scams: Criminals now use artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake websites and emails that look incredibly convincing. AI can mimic real brands, making it harder to spot fakes.
Social media traps: Over 70% of purchase scams start on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where ads can appear legitimate.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

Fake Websites: These look real but aren’t. Always check for spelling mistakes in URLs and missing contact details.
Phishing Emails and Texts: Messages like “Your order is delayed” or “Click here for your discount” are common tricks. Don’t click, go directly to the retailer’s website.
Social Media Ads: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Gift Card Scams: If someone asks you to pay with gift cards, that’s a huge red flag.

Black Friday Online Shopping Safety Tips

Stick to trusted retailers: Big names or well-reviewed sites only.
Don’t click email links: Go straight to the retailer’s website.
Look for HTTPS and the padlock: This means your connection is secure.
Use strong passwords and 2FA: Age UK recommends this for extra protection.
Keep your devices and browsers up to date: Security patches matter.
Pause if something feels off: Double-check before entering personal or payment information.
Ask for help if you’re unsure: Charities like Action for Elders offer digital support.

Extra Tips for Tech-Savvy Shoppers (and anyone ready to level up):

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi: This keeps your data safe from hackers.
Double-check URLs: A single letter off can mean a fake site.
Enable 2FA everywhere: Authenticator apps are best.
Monitor transactions: Set alerts for unusual activity.

For more technical advice visit Get Safe Online, who work closely with law enforcement agencies, MOD and other organisations and support customer online safety.

Online Key Security Terms Explained

These are some of the online security related terms you will hear often explained:

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. After entering your password, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t get in without this second step. Authenticator apps are safer than SMS codes.
AI (Artificial Intelligence): AI is technology that can “think” and learn like a human. Scammers use AI to create fake websites, emails, and even voice messages that look and sound real.
Phishing: This is when scammers send fake emails or texts to trick you into giving away personal information or clicking dangerous links. Always double-check the sender and never click suspicious links.
HTTPS: Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This means the website uses encryption to keep your data safe. Never enter payment details on a site without HTTPS.
Strong Password: A strong password uses a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using names or birthdays. For example: “T!g3r$2025!” is much stronger than “tiger2025”. Use a unique password for every account and consider a password manager to keep track.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, protecting your data from hackers—especially on public Wi-Fi. You can get a VPN by subscribing to a reputable provider (such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost), or by using built-in options on some devices. Many antivirus packages also include VPN services. For more information, visit Get Safe Online on VPNs.

Martin Lewis’ Core Advice: Shop Smart

Martin Lewis, the UK’s money-saving expert, has brilliant tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday:

Don’t get caught up in the hype: Before buying, ask yourself: Do I need it? Can I afford it? If the answer is “no” to either, don’t buy it. It’s not a saving if you weren’t going to buy it anyway.
Compare prices before you buy: Use tools like Google Shopping, PriceRunner, and PriceSpy to check if the deal is genuinely good. Retailers sometimes inflate discounts by comparing to RRP rather than recent selling prices.
Use price tracking tools: CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) and PriceSpy (for multiple retailers) show historical prices so you can see if the Black Friday discount is real.
Timing matters: MSE research found 70% of items were cheaper on Black Friday than in pre-Christmas sales, so if you need something before Christmas, Black Friday is usually the best time.
Avoid impulse buys: Retailers push “one-off” deals to trigger impulse purchases. Focus on planned purchases and store-wide discounts instead of chasing random bargains.

Visit Black Friday deals – MSE’s updates & analysis on Black Friday & Cyber Monday alert service to find out more advice.

Safety Angle

While Martin Lewis focuses on financial sense, his advice complements fraud prevention tips:

Check retailer legitimacy before buying.
Avoid gift vouchers unless you’re certain the retailer is stable; they can expire or become worthless if the company fails.

UK Resources and Charities

Here are some charities and resources to support you:

Reporting and Support

If you suspect fraud:

Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC).
Forward scam texts to 7726.
Contact Action Fraud.