5 tips to protect you during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring huge online deals, but they also attract scammers. Every year, fake stores, phishing emails, and fraudulent cashback campaigns spike during this period. Before you hit checkout, take a moment to check and protect yourself. Here are five practical checks you can follow to shop safely.
1. Check if the website is legitimate
Before you type in your card details, take a moment to verify the site. Scammers often create fake websites that look almost identical to the real ones. Be sure to:
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Ensure the URL starts with https://
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Look for spelling mistakes or unusual wording in the site or product pages
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Confirm the site name matches the brand’s official website and social pages
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When in doubt, type the URL yourself instead of clicking on ads or links
2. Beware of phishing SMS and emails
Scammers may impersonate delivery companies, banks, or e-wallets. Red flags include:
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Unfamiliar sender phone number
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Messages creating urgency like “your account will be closed”
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Links that are shortened or suspicious
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You haven’t made a purchase from that merchant
Tip: Never click links in unexpected messages. Always verify through official apps or websites.
3. Watch out for fake cashback and too-good-to-be-true offers
Scammers may take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday by creating ads promising high-value cashback or insane discounts and asking for personal details.
Be careful with:
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Offers that are not promoted on the official app or website
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Pages asking for PIN, OTP, or login information
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Pop-ups requesting additional app downloads
Legitimate promotional campaigns will never ask for your PIN or OTP.
4. Verify QR codes before scanning
QR scams are on the rise, especially in Malaysia.Protect yourself by:
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Only scanning QR codes from trusted sources (official stores, receipts or apps)
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Confirm merchant name before paying. If the name is unfamiliar, do not go through with the transaction
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Avoid scanning codes sent through private messages from strangers
5. Use secure payment methods and stay on official platforms
When making payments online, avoid sending money directly to a seller’s personal bank account or making payments outside the official checkout flow. Paying through recognised channels such as the platform’s payment gateway, credit or debit cards or trusted e-wallets, offer protection in case of disputes and reduces fraud risks.
This also means that you should not deviate from the official platforms. Be wary of any websites or platforms that requires you to leave the website or platform to continue in any other platforms, such as WhatsApp or any other messenger apps.
To stay safe:
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Turn on payment alerts so you know immediately when a transaction goes through
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Always double-check the merchant's name and amount before confirming
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Keep your apps and device software up to date to prevent malware and security vulnerabilities
Shop smart and stay secure
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be exciting, but a little caution goes a long way. Take a moment to verify websites, emails, QR codes and payment methods before you buy, and stick to trusted platforms. Shop smart, stay secure and enjoy the deals!