Black Friday or Scam Friday?

So how do you spot a true deal from a clever scam? Here’s how to stay one step ahead of the scammers without missing out on the real bargains:

Fake stores, real heartbreak

You see an ad for a 70% off iPhone? It’s probably too good to be true. Fake online shops pop up every Black Friday with slick websites, stolen product images, and incredible prices. The problem? Once you pay, the site disappears- and so does your money.

How to avoid it:
Stick to official websites or trusted retailers. Check the URL carefully- scammers love sneaky tricks like “amaz0n.shop” or “nkieoutlet.com.” And if a site only accepts wire transfers or gift cards, that’s your cue to run.

Phishing emails disguised as deals

Your inbox fills up with “exclusive offers” from brands you’ve never heard of, or sometimes, ones you think you know. These emails often have links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal your passwords or credit card info.

How to avoid it:
Don’t click links from emails or texts unless you’re 100% sure they’re legit. Go directly to the brand’s website instead. Hover over links before clicking- if it looks strange, it probably is.

“You won a prize!” phone calls and texts

Scammers know excitement makes people careless. Around Black Friday, they’ll call or text pretending you’ve won a voucher, gift card, or delivery reward. The hook: they’ll ask you to click a link or share personal info to “claim” it. In reality, you’re giving away data or access to your phone.

How to avoid it:
Don’t trust random calls or messages promising prizes. Never click on links in texts from unknown numbers, and don’t share verification codes with anyone, even if they sound official. Real companies don’t call to tell you you’ve won something you never entered.

Final tip: trust your gut

If a deal feels off, or a website looks a little “off-brand,” it probably is. 

Real discounts exist, but so do real scams. Staying alert could be the smartest deal you snag this Black Friday.

How can Truecaller help? 

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. 

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.