The big sales festival is approaching, and with it, the favorite time for online scammers. Between early promotions, impulse buys, and relentless social media ads, there are plenty of traps to steal your money and data. That's why it's wise to approach the sales season with a determined attitude: Shop smart, filter out impossible bargains, and strengthen security before inserting the card.
During this time, clone websites, messages pretending to be from banks or messaging services, and offers that prey on people's urgency proliferate. Recent reports warn of a surge in... fraudulent pages that imitate well-known stores (Amazon, AliExpress and others)Meanwhile, fake email and SMS chains are taking advantage of the trend. The key is to combine common sense with basic technical measures to create a profile that's much harder to deceive.
Why Black Friday is fertile ground for fraud
The weeks leading up to major sales see a surge in advertising, transaction volume, and traffic on social media and apps. This combination can cause many to lower their guard and fall prey to social engineering scams. Europol ranks phishing among the fastest growing scams in Europe, and it's no coincidence that it increases just when we buy the most.
It's not a local phenomenon. It's also clearly visible in Latin America. Kaspersky reported blocking 37,7 million phishing attempts in Chile alone in a single year. (around 103.000 per day). The pattern is repeated: ads with aggressive discounts, urgent notifications about alleged payment problems, and fake checkout portals that mimicked the official ones to steal your credentials.
Furthermore, there is a deliberate psychological pressure: countdown timers, "last units" messages, and supposed VIP access with unbeatable discounts. These tactics encourage people to make decisions without verifying the information, which is exactly what scammers want. The first line of defense is not technical: it's mental..
In Spain, organizations such as the Consumer Affairs Office also warn of unfair commercial practices: Raise the price days before to simulate a larger discountor get caught in a never-ending countdown. Hence the importance of comparing prices, checking price history, and not letting FOMO get the better of you.
Anti-scam mindset: plan and decide without rushing
Before opening your wallet, make a plan. Making a list of what you need and how much you can spend greatly reduces the risk of impulsive purchases. When you know what you want, it's easier to spot the trap. and not buy just for the sake of buying.
– Be wary of impossible bargains. The National Police insist on this: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is..
– Check the price history. By looking at the 30 days prior to the price reduction, you can confirm whether the discount is genuine or just a cosmetic change.
Finally, take an extra 30 seconds with each purchase. Comparing two stores, looking for recent reviews, or checking who's behind the website is time well spent. Haste makes waste, but it's a con artist's best friend..
Pay with secure methods and avoid transfers
The payment method is an essential firewall. virtual or prepaid cards They reduce the impact of misuse because you only reload what you're going to spend. If something goes wrong, the damage is limited. Intermediary platforms (like PayPal and similar services) add a layer of protection and dispute resolution channels when the product doesn't arrive or isn't as promised, which represents a Additional coverage on online purchases.
Avoid direct transfers, especially to unknown or foreign accounts: in case of fraud, Getting your money back can be very complicatedLikewise, do not automatically save your card details on websites you don't frequent, and activate your bank's strong customer authentication (codes, app, or biometrics) to secure your payments.
More best practices: activate alerts with your bank so you receive a notification for every charge; set spending limits per transaction and daily to minimize scares, and calmly review your movements in the following days.
A very useful additional tip: try to buy from stores with a national presence and clear contact information. The more traceability the seller has, the less profit margin the scammer has..
Trusted networks and devices
Even the best deal can't compensate for an unsecured connection. Avoid buying from [website name]. public wifis (airports, cafes, shopping malls). They are easy to intercept and can expose credentials or cards. Whenever possible, use your home network or mobile data.
If you need to connect in shared environments, add a VPNThis extra encryption makes life harder for attackers. Keep your mobile phone, computer, and browser up to date and protected with a reputable antivirus program. INCIBE has detected thousands of mobile phones infected with malware so far this year; it's not science fiction, it's really happening.
And pay attention to your Wi-Fi security: prioritize modern standards (WPA2 or higher) and strong passwordsTechnology helps, but configuration matters just as much as the software you install.
Detects fake websites before you enter your card details
- Browser toolbarIt should start with https and display the padlock icon. It's not a guarantee, but it's a good first filter.
- Analyze the domainBeware of strange hyphens, changed letters (amaz0n, for example) or suspicious endings.
- Find out who is behind it: physical address, VAT number, telephone, returns policy and withdrawal period.
- Check recent opinions and reviews from independent sources; If all the reviews are perfect and generic, that's a bad sign..
If something seems suspicious, the wisest thing to do is close the tab and find the same product on the official website or app of a reputable marketplace or store. Quitting in time is gaining security.
Phishing, smishing and the fake “package”: how they steal your data
Email, SMS, and messaging scams are a classic that never fails. They skyrocket during sales periods: exclusive offers that ask you to enter your card details, parcel messages with outstanding fees or notices from banks that "detect" a problem with your account.
Some sources even claim that during Black Friday a large portion of the emails may be fraudulentWhatever the actual percentage, the recipe doesn't change: suspect and verify.
- Avoid direct links: it's safer Write the address yourself in the browser instead of clicking a received link.
- Never share passwords or verification codesYour bank or a reputable store will not ask for that information through these channels.
- Activate two-step verification for email, social media, WhatsApp, and banking. If your password is stolen, they'll have a extra wall.
Official apps and trusted marketplaces
Check who the developer is, the number of downloads, and the quality of the reviews. On large marketplaces, only buy from their own sellers. official website or app and check each seller's reputation before paying.
AI, fake chatbots, and flash sales on social media
Artificial intelligence has also made deception more sophisticated. It has been detected fake customer service chatbots These sites are hosted on clone websites that request sensitive data with astonishing ease. Furthermore, "flash" sales with unbelievable discounts (up to 90%) are proliferating on Instagram and TikTok, leading to fraudulent payment gateways.
Email campaigns promising “exclusive VIP access” are another common lure: the message appears targeted and urgent, but the link deploys malware or steals credentials. At the enterprise level, secure communications companies like Sinch promote verified channels and authenticated campaigns (using technologies like Pathwire or MessageMedia) to prevent impersonation. As a user, look for verification signals against Facebook impersonations And don't give out information in chats that you can't confirm are legitimate.
Return policies, fine print and marketing “tricks”
Beyond outright fraud, there are practices that, while not criminal, They play on the edgeAlways check the return and exchange policies, as well as the associated deadlines and costs. Check if the discount is based on the Lowest price of the previous 30 days, as required by the regulations.
Be wary of websites with no clear identity, no contact information, or that make refunds extremely difficult. A good price without guarantees is a bad buy.
Warning signs that go unnoticed
Scammers are adept at mimicking context. Pop-ups with prizes, pages that only accept transfers, an email for a “package held” that you weren't expecting, or a pop-up window with a "surprise prize" asking you to click here and now.
In many cases, fraudulent online stores shine on the outside, but leave no trace on the inside: no working phones, no real physical address, poorly translated or error-ridden texts. As the team from Cáceres aptly summarizes: Don't buy in haste, buy wisely..
Activate bank alerts and monitor your transactions
Banks have strengthened their systems, but some people still don't activate notifications. These are very useful for detecting fraud on the fly. Configure push alerts, SMS or email for each charge on your card and, if your bank allows it, spending limits per transaction and daily.
During Black Friday week and the days that follow, take a few minutes to review your statement. If you find an unfamiliar charge, block the card through the app or call the bank, and immediately begin the dispute process. The sooner the better.
What to do if you've already fallen: key steps
If you suspect you've been scammed, time is of the essence. Start by your bank or payment platform To block devices and request refunds for unauthorized charges, change the passwords for affected services and enable two-step verification.
Save emails, SMS messages, chats, screenshots, and supporting documents. They will be useful for making a claim and filing a complaint. In Spain, you have the INCIBE line 017, free and confidential, to advise you any day of the year.
- Contact the bank and blocks payment methods.
- Change passwords and activate 2FA where you don't have it.
- Gather evidence: emails, screenshots, receipts, and URLs. Save especially the catches.
- Rate denounce before the Police or Civil Guard, especially if there is impersonation or significant harm.
Authorities insist you don't downplay the damage. Even if it's a small amount of money, reporting it helps. cut off networks that operate throughout the country already recovering funds in some cases.
Examples of real bargains and how to distinguish them from fake ones
Consumer media often list genuine opportunities during campaigns: from a brand chronograph watch with significant discounts on everything from classic board games to... powerful steam ironsHardware cryptocurrency wallets, high-capacity air fryers, noise-canceling headphones, hand blenders, children's electric toothbrushes4K televisions with Dolby Vision/Atmos and even laundry detergent pods in value packs are included. Actual discounts can range from 25% to 50% or more on certain products.
The difference between a legitimate bargain and a scam lies in the usual signs: it's sold on the official website or by a... reputable marketplaceThere verified opinionsThe return policy is clear and the payment method is secure. If the seller only accepts bank transfer, the URL is complicated, or no one knows who's behind it, it's best to run for the hills.
Quick checklist for safe shopping
- Plan Find out what you need and compare real prices (30-day history).
- Buy only at official websites and apps or trusted marketplaces.
- Usa virtual cards or intermediary platforms; avoid transfers.
- Connect from your private wifi or data; if not, use a VPN.
- Check https, correct domain and visible company details.
- Do not click on links in emails/SMS and do not share 2FA codes.
- Download apps from official stores and verify developer.
- Active bank alerts and review transactions after the purchase.
Combining common sense and simple safety routines allows you to enjoy discounts without any unpleasant surprises: decide without haste, validate the source, pay with protection, and monitor. What goes in and out of your accounts. With these four pillars, the savings festival doesn't turn into a fraud festival.
