Black Friday 2025 arrives on Friday, November 28th, bringing with it the avalanche of discounts, early bird purchases, and express shipping that both consumers and scammers love. During this time, the mix of haste and spectacular bargains It is the perfect breeding ground for well-orchestrated scams: fraudulent websites, phishing and smishing campaigns, fake apps, inflated prices before discounts, and offers with fine print.
In recent months, there has been a surge in the creation of fraudulent websites that mimic major retailers like Amazon and AliExpress, as well as in mass email and SMS scam campaigns. The reality is undeniable: Cybercriminals hone their techniques with each campaign They play on the sense of urgency, countdown timers, and the fear of missing out. That's why we've put together this practical and up-to-date guide to help you shop smart and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Before you shop on Black Friday: an anti-scam mindset for this time of year
We are our own first line of defense. It's best to calm down and use common sense. if a price seems impossibleSuspicion. The recommendation from law enforcement is clear: miraculous bargains often hide a catch.
Planning helps a lot. Arriving at Black Friday with a specific list It prevents impulsive purchases and allows for comparison. The more closed the listThose endless countdowns or last unit messages designed to push you to decide without thinking will have less effect.
Check the price history. In a context where previous price increases are investigated to simulate discounts, checking how much an item cost weeks ago is key. Only then will you know if the discount is real or if they're selling you a bill of goods with a fake discount.
Payments: secure methods and what to avoid on Black Friday
Choosing the right payment method makes all the difference when facing potential fraud and understanding how to pay. secure payment methodsFor online purchases, virtual or prepaid cards are highly recommended: You only recharge what you're going to use and you limit the impact if something goes wrong.
Trusted intermediary payment platforms are also useful, as they add a layer of protection and usually have dispute mechanisms if the order does not arrive or does not match what was advertised. On the other side of the coinAvoid direct bank transfers when you are not absolutely certain who you are dealing with: recovering them if there is fraud can be mission impossible.
Always activate strong customer authentication with your bank (codes, app, biometrics) and don't store the card in unusual stores. They are simple gestures with a big impact to protect your purchases.
Networks and devices: purchase from trusted environments
Public connections in cafes, airports, or shopping centers are convenient, but they are not the place to insert your card. Avoid buying from public Wi-Fi and choose between your home network or mobile data.
If you have no other option and must use a shared network, a VPN helps encrypt traffic and makes life more difficult for an attacker. In addition, keep your mobile phone, computer, and browser updated and protected with reliable antivirus software. This year, thousands of mobile phones with malware have been detected. in Spain, so don't leave this task for tomorrow.
How to spot fake websites before entering your card details?
Clone stores are one of the biggest risks during the sales period. They are set up quickly, with stolen logos and aggressive discounts. Before paying, check the browser bar.The https and padlock icon should appear. It's not a complete guarantee, but it's a start.
Examine the domain closely: amazon.es is not the same as amaz0n-ofertas-blackfriday.com. Any spelling mistakes, strange hyphens, or unusual subdomains are red flags. The legal information section also talksPhysical address, VAT number, customer service phone number and return policy must be readily available.
A quick search using the store name and words like reviews, scam, or complaints can clear up any doubts. If something smells strange, get out of there. and buy the same product from a marketplace or reference store.
Phishing, smishing and package scams: don't fall for it
Basic protection is to avoid clicking on links received via email, SMS, or apps. It's safer to type the official address directly into your browser. Never share passwords or codes Verification information that you receive via SMS or app: no reputable company will ask for it through those channels.
It also activates two-step verification on key services such as email, messaging, social media, and online banking. Even if your password is stolenThat second barrier can save you.
Official apps and marketplaces: install only what's required.
Fake apps that impersonate popular stores or services also create a lot of noise during the campaign. Only download from Google Play or the App Store, never from third-party links or unknown websites. Check out how to manage refunds on Google Play, Check who develops the app, the volume of downloads and the ratings.
If you buy from large marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress, or Miravia, do so through their official website or app and check the reputation of each seller. Be wary of magical links that promise downloads with exclusive offers: you're better off looking for the app yourself in the official store.
Bank alerts and transaction tracking on Black Friday
Most banks allow you to activate alerts every time your card is used. It's a basic feature. Enable purchase notifications via push notification, SMS or email to be instantly informed of any charges.
If your bank allows it, set daily or per-transaction spending limits. And during Black Friday and the days that follow, review your statement at your leisure. If you see an unusual charge, block the card. either through the app or by calling the bank and opening a claim.
Returns, prices and fine print
Beyond classic frauds, there are deceptive business practices that the Consumer Affairs Office is closely monitoring: raising prices early to simulate large discounts, fake time markers, or messages of manufactured scarcity. Read the return conditions carefully and check the exchange policy, especially for high-value items.
European and Spanish regulations require that the discount be applied to the lowest price of the previous 30 days in sales. If the website is opaque about who is behind it or makes it excessively difficult to return a product, a bad sign.
What to do if you've already fallen for a scam
Speed ​​is crucial. Call your bank or payment provider to block the card or account, and request a refund for any unauthorized charges. Change the passwords for the affected services and activate 2FA where you don't have it.
Save emails, text messages, screenshots, and supporting documents in case you need to file a claim or report the crime. INCIBE's 017 helpline is free, nationwide, and confidential, and provides guidance every day of the year. Consider reporting this to the Police or Civil Guard.especially in frauds of a certain amount or identity theft.
In situations that can be handled digitally, there is the option to file a complaint electronically through the Guardia Civil's Electronic Headquarters at guardiacivil.sede.gob.es. For local issues you can find out at the Peripheral Communication Office of the Civil Guard of Cáceres on the telephone 927 628 150, extension 0320080, or go to the official channels of your police force.
The Civil Guard's approach: recurring fraud patterns
With each campaign, the same hooks emerge. The impersonation of large chains and logistics platforms is repeated: emails or SMS messages with impeccable corporate aesthetics that invite you to participate in raffles, "reactivate" accounts or update data, but their real objective is to steal passwords or cards.
Another source of scams is secondhand websites and apps. After an initial legitimate contact, the supposed buyer suggests continuing the transaction outside the official platform, sending links to manage payment or confirm shipment. That's where they capture sensitive data.Also beware of phishing scams involving held shipments that demand micropayments. One click can be all it takes.
Also protect your devices: keep your system up to date, use active antivirus, and use strong and unique passwords. Do not open suspicious attachments And avoid websites of dubious reputation to avoid falling for malware that locks your data or demands a ransom.
Always keep all your purchase documentation. And when you throw away boxes or packaging, destroy labels with your name, address, or phone number. Small habits prevent unnecessary leaks of personal data.
OCU's ten essentials for these campaigns
The Consumers and Users Organization offers a dozen foolproof guidelines. The first is to compare: The price of the same product can change significantly. According to the store. Take a few minutes to check.
Discount transparency matters. The original price or the percentage discount must be shown to avoid misleading customers. Demand the same quality in discounted items And remember that the guarantees do not change just because it's on sale.
Some stores set special rules in campaigns like this: they may limit returns or the use of cards, but they must indicate this clearly. Always keep the ticketwhich is your key to making a claim, and ask for a complaint form if necessary.
For online purchases, you have 14 days to return items for a full refund, no questions asked. Avoid impulse buys. make a list and think twice It saves you from more than one unpleasant surprise. And don't forget that OCU has been detecting price inflation for years to simulate discounts; keep an eye on historical data.
Seniors and digital security: a priority with a name of its own
The Catalan startup Bleta has published a free guide with seven key tips to protect older people from digital fraud during Black Friday. Catalonia led the country in cyber fraud reports in 2024 with 71,772 cases, and 95 percent of the incidents were fraud or identity theft. Attempts rise by more than 20 percent in November according to INCIBE.
Among the proposed measures: recognize fake messages on WhatsApp and SMS, verify numbers, be wary of emergencies or spelling mistakes, and contact the supposed sender directly. It is also key to configure the mobile phone correctly.: PIN or fingerprint lock, automatic updates, avoid public Wi-Fi, review permissions and delete unused apps.
When shopping online, the guide advises confirming https and the padlock, comparing suspicious prices, and using secure methods such as virtual cards or verified Bizum. Beware of aggressive ads on social media that redirect to sites that imitate Amazon or AliExpress; always access from the official website or app.
Password security is another key element: never reuse them, use robust combinations with letters, numbers and symbols, and activate 2FA on WhatsApp, email and banking. If there are signs of fraud, act quickly: block accounts or cards, save evidence and report to Mossos, National Police or whoever is appropriate, with the support of INCIBE's 017.
The company emphasizes the importance of family and caregivers: reviewing suspicious messages together and sharing best practices strengthens trust. 43 percent of people over 65 years old People feel insecure with digital services, and the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) consider impersonation of family members and banks among the most frequent types of fraud. Designs that lack accessibility increase the risk; technology should be inclusive, not exclusive.
Tools that add up: security features in your favor
In addition to good habits, technical support helps. Solutions like Avast Free Antivirus incorporate features designed to curb fraud: Web Guard can help detect dangerous URLs and block fraudulent sites before you visit them.
To combat scams in real time, Avast Scam Guardian uses artificial intelligence to identify and prevent online fraud. The Avast Assistant provides clear guidelines to analyze suspicious offers and messages while browsing or shopping.
And for unreliable networks, Network Inspector allows you to assess whether the connection is secure. Maintaining automatic updates and scans reduces vulnerabilities. With good practices and these layers of security, your exposure to risk drops drastically.
The perspective of the Navarre Police: three key elements that never fail
Cybersecurity units emphasize three key pillars. First, verify the website's legitimacy: https and padlock, a domain without errors or unusual extensions, clear contact information, and reviews from independent sources. Be wary of intrusive counters and aggressive pop-upsAnd if the offer arrived by email or SMS, manually access the official website.
Second, evaluate the product: if the price is ridiculous, compare it in several stores to detect artificial inflation used to simulate discounts. Look for descriptions, quality photos, and realistic stock., and prioritizes reviews from verified buyers.
Third, secure the payment: use a credit card or recognized platforms, keep active notifications from the bank, and never share data on unsecured sites. If you are scammed, cancel immediately and report to your organization and the authorities, either in person or electronically.
Ten eye-catching bargains that have stood out in catalogs
Among the most discussed lists of offers, very different examples emerge that should be reviewed closely, always comparing prices and policies. Here are ten featured products that have been circulated in catalogs during the campaign:
- BOSS Chronograph Watch: from 359 euros to 176,85 euros with a 40 percent discount, design with textured black dial, white rubber strap, 44 mm and 5 ATM water resistance.
- Hasbro Gaming Trivial Pursuit in Spanish: was 40,99 euros, now 17,99 euros with a 56 percent discount, ideal for games from 16 years old.
- Rowenta Pro Master DW8209F0: 2800W iron with a steam boost of up to 200g per minute, reduced from 99,99 euros to 50,98 euros, 40 percent less.
- Ledger Nano X, amethyst color: Bluetooth hardware wallet, reduced from €149 to €75, a 50 percent discount for more secure crypto management.
- Princess air fryer 6,5 L: up to 60 percent energy savings, 12 programs and touch panel, from 98,49 euros to 49,99 euros, a 49 percent reduction.
- Sony WF C700N: noise-canceling headphones, IPX4 resistance and up to 20 hours with charging case, from 79 euros to 59 euros, 25 percent discount.
- Moulinex Easychef hand mixer: 450 W, Zelkrom blades, 800 ml cup and 500 ml chopper, from 39,99 euros to 28,48 euros, a 29 percent discount.
- Oral B iO Kids Disney Stitch: children's electric toothbrush with 3 modes, timer with music and case, from 84,95 euros to 44,95 euros, 47 percent less.
- Sony BRAVIA 3 55-inch: Direct LED 4K with Dolby Vision and Atmos, Google TV 2025, from 1199 euros to 699 euros, a 42 percent discount.
- Ariel All in 1 PODS Sea Breeze and Jasmine: 114 wash format, from 1199 euros to 53,94 euros with a discount of 46 percent.
These examples show the variety of products and discounts during the campaign, from electronics to home or personal care. Check availability, conditions and historical price Before you decide, remember that a safe purchase is more important than a supposed bargain.
Black Friday, Cyber ​​Monday, and Christmas attract massive consumer spending and, in its wake, opportunistic fraud. With a critical eye, basic checks, secure payment methods, up-to-date devices, and the support of security tools, it's perfectly possible to enjoy the sales with peace of mind.
The best offer is the one that arrives without surprises.Be wary of rushing and impossible bargains, buy only in official channels, and keep an eye on your accounts so that Black Friday doesn't become a bad memory. Share this safety guide so more users can take precautions when shopping on Black Friday..