Fake Black Friday Offers 2026: How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams and What to Do If You Fall Victim

The Rise of Phishing Scams During Black Friday Season

As Black Friday 2026 approaches (November 27-30), cybercriminals are distributing fake offers through email, SMS, and WhatsApp messages. These fraudulent communications use tactics like false payment denials, package retention notices, and expiring promotions to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking.

How Scammers Operate and How to Identify Them

Common Phishing Message Characteristics

Criminals impersonate legitimate companies and request:

• Updated banking or credit card information
• Confirmation messages posed as shipping companies
• Urgent warnings like "Your order will be canceled unless you confirm now"

How to Spot Fake Websites

Scammers can replicate official logos, colors, and layouts perfectly, so a professional appearance doesn't guarantee safety. Check the following:

• URL Verification: Before clicking links, confirm the URL matches the company's official domain
• Direct Access: Don't use links in messages; visit the company's official website directly to verify information
• Lock Icon Misconception: The browser's lock icon only indicates encryption, not authenticity—fraudulent sites can display it too

What to Do If You Accidentally Click a Suspicious Link

If You Only Opened the Page

Opening a link doesn't automatically mean your data has been stolen. Immediately:

1. Close the page without filling out forms or accepting downloads
2. Clear the page from your browser history

If You Entered a Password

1. Change that account's password immediately through the official app or website
2. Change passwords for all other accounts using the same password (email, social media, online banking)

If You Provided Banking Information

1. Call your bank immediately using the official number and request card deactivation
2. Review recent transactions for unauthorized activity
3. File a fraud report and request an investigation

If You Downloaded a Suspicious File

1. Determine whether you executed the file
2. Delete it if still unopened
3. If already executed, use a different trusted device to change passwords and seek technical support

Beware of Fake Shipping Company Messages

After Black Friday, messages impersonating delivery companies often request:

• Address updates
• Delivery confirmation
• Additional payment

Protection: Don't click links in messages. Instead, access the retailer's or shipping company's official website or app directly to check order status.

Additional Prevention Measures

• Delete suspicious emails and messages without replying
• Save messages and screenshots as evidence for fraud reports
• Use reliable antivirus software
• Avoid online shopping on public Wi-Fi networks
• Verify sender identity before providing any information

Where to Report Fraud

If you experience fraud or receive suspicious messages:

• Contact your bank (for card fraud)
• Report to the company's customer support
• File a complaint with your country's consumer protection agency (like SERNAC in Chile)

As Cybersecurity Day approaches on November 30, taking a few minutes to verify who is requesting information can prevent account theft and financial loss.