Tips for safe shopping online this Black Friday 

A sophisticated online apparatus has been targeting government critics in Kenya, where rights groups warn of an escalating crackdown on public dissent – Copyright AFP TONY KARUMBA

The busiest time of year for consumer shopping is fast approaching and there are many deals to be had. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of hackers and scammers that target online shoppers. Many consumer organisations put out warnings to buyers to be cautious of deals that appear ‘too good to be true’.

The company Chicksx.com has provided Digital Journal with ten tips for keeping yourself safe while shopping online this Black Friday. 

Stick to websites you know 

You might be tempted by a Google link promising an amazing deal but before you click, look at the name. If it’s not something you recognise, don’t go there. Hackers can use similar names to high-street brands to trick you into giving up your data so double check the site is the one you know. Google also tells you if you’ve visited the site before so it’s worth taking your time and checking for those details. 

Check the URL bar 

Every website should have a valid security certificate and you can tell by the little padlock icon next to the URL. If a website doesn’t have one of these then don’t give your bank details or valuable information. 

Check your bank statements 

You might not even be aware of your details being stolen until it’s too late, but by making it a habit to check your account and statements you’ll be able to catch any suspicious activity early on. Your bank will have information on any time limits they have for fraudulent purchases, so be sure to keep an eye on your statements. 

Use a password manager 

The safest thing you can do is use a unique, randomised password for all your accounts. But instead of writing those down on post-it notes or in notebooks, use a password manager to keep them all in one place. Password managers lock your information behind a master password and many of them autofill the website logins for you, keeping you safe from keylogger attacks. 

Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi 

You might be tempted to hop onto your favourite shopping site while having a coffee at your local cafe, but that public wi-fi connection is extremely dangerous to use. Public Wi-Fi rarely has safety protocols such as passwords in place and hackers can piggyback and steal unsecured banking details and sensitive information without you knowing.  

Use mobile payments 

Apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay can protect your banking details so if a website accepts them, it’s best to use them instead of your debit card. 

Use a credit card 

If something is high value, don’t use your debit card to pay for it. Consumer law in the UK means that you could get refunds or claim your money back if your card is stolen. Credit cards also have more protections than debit cards. 

Set up a temporary bank account 

By opening an online-only bank account such as Revolut or Monzo, you can control the amount of money you have access to with transfers from your usual account. This way, even if your details are compromised, the hacker can’t do anything to your real bank account. 

Use a VPN 

A VPN protects your data from prying eyes. Everything you send is encrypted so even if a hacker can see you on a network, they won’t be able to access your sensitive information. VPNs connect you to a remote server and hide your IP, using one along with any of our other tips can make your online shopping super secure. 

Be cautious with crypto payments and scams 

With the rise of cryptocurrency, more online stores are beginning to accept Bitcoin and other digital assets as payment. While this can offer freedom and flexibility for consumers, it has also attracted scammers. Fraudsters often create fake websites or social media ads promising huge Black Friday discounts if you “pay in crypto,” only to disappear once the funds are sent. Remember, crypto transactions are irreversible, so once you’ve transferred your coins, there’s no getting them back. Always double-check that the retailer is legitimate, avoid sending payments directly to wallet addresses shared via messages or emails, and never fall for promises of instant returns or exclusive deals paid in crypto.