Four digital traps could drain Black Friday budgets

Shoppers risk losing money and personal data through four specific digital scams targeting Black Friday buyers.

Kyle James, a writer for ConsumerAffairs, identified the most common threats for this year's sales season. The first is the ghost website. These sites appear through social media ads featuring recognizable brands or celebrities. James noted that the ads are designed to look convincing. Once a consumer clicks the link, the site may take payment without sending the product. Alternatively, the site steals credit card information and disappears.

A second tactic involves ads claiming a store is closing for a final sale. These promotions direct users to fake websites that collect personal details. The third method uses fake customer service phone numbers. Scammers purchase sponsored search results for major retailers, such as BestBuy, to place their numbers above the official listings. James said callers often share their card details with these unknown lines.

The final scam arrives via text message. Senders claim a package is delayed or that there is a problem with an order. These messages include links to verify tracking numbers or addresses. James stated that legitimate companies do not text customers for this information.

James recommends typing a company name and the word scam into a browser before clicking any ad. Shoppers should find customer service numbers through a store's official app or website. Consumers should avoid clicking links in delivery alerts or sharing information via text.

These warnings apply to the upcoming holiday shopping period. James provided these guidelines to help consumers identify fraudulent offers before they commit to a purchase.