14 Cyber Monday Safety Tips to Avoid Shopping Scams in 2026

14 Cyber Monday Safety Tips to Avoid Shopping Scams in 2026

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to save money on electronics, clothing, household essentials, and holiday gifts. But while shoppers are busy comparing discounts, scammers are looking for ways to steal payment details, passwords, and personal information.

A convincing discount can lead to a fake shopping website. A delivery notification might contain a phishing link. Even a familiar retailer's name can be used in a fraudulent advertisement.

The good news is that most shopping scams have warning signs. Knowing what to check before making a purchase can help you avoid losing money or exposing your personal information.

The most important Cyber Monday safety tips are to shop through verified retailers, use unique passwords and multifactor authentication, avoid suspicious links, choose payment methods with buyer protection, and monitor your transactions.

These precautions are useful throughout the year, but they deserve particular attention when holiday shopping promotions fill your inbox and social media feeds.

When Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2026?

Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026, followed by Cyber Monday on November 30, 2026.

Black Friday traditionally takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Cyber Monday follows on the next Monday and focuses primarily on online shopping promotions.

Many retailers extend their promotions beyond these dates, offering deals throughout November and sometimes into December.

For shoppers, that means more opportunities to compare prices. It also means checking promotional messages carefully instead of assuming every discount is genuine.

What Are the Biggest Cyber Monday Security Risks?

Online shopping scams aren't limited to unfamiliar websites. Fraudsters can impersonate established retailers, delivery companies, banks, and customer support teams.

Some scams attempt to steal money immediately. Others collect personal information that can be used later to access accounts or commit identity theft.

The most common risks shoppers should understand include:

Security Risk	How It Works	Warning Sign
Fake shopping websites	Fraudsters create stores that imitate legitimate retailers.	Unfamiliar domain names and unusually cheap products
Phishing emails	Messages impersonate retailers to steal login or payment details.	Unexpected requests to verify an account
Fake delivery notifications	Fraudulent messages claim a package cannot be delivered.	Requests for payment or personal information through a link
Social media shopping scams	Fake advertisements promote products that may never arrive.	Large discounts from unfamiliar sellers
Account takeover	Criminals use stolen credentials to access shopping accounts.	Unexpected login alerts or changes to account details
Payment fraud	Stolen card information is used for unauthorized purchases.	Transactions you don't recognize
Gift card scams	Scammers demand gift cards instead of normal payment methods.	Requests to share gift card numbers or PINs

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $95 million in 2025 to scams that began with purchases prompted by social media advertisements.

These are reported losses, not a complete measure of all fraud. Still, the figures show why shoppers should verify sellers before trusting an advertisement.

14 Cyber Monday Safety Tips for Secure Online Shopping

1. Check the Website Before Entering Payment Information

A professional-looking website isn't necessarily a legitimate business.

Scammers can copy product photographs, logos, page layouts, and other details from established retailers. Some fraudulent stores look almost identical to the websites they impersonate.

Before purchasing, examine the full website address.

For example, a fraudulent website might include a recognizable brand name alongside additional words or an unfamiliar domain extension.

Check that the address matches the retailer's official website rather than simply containing its name.

You should also look for a secure HTTPS connection.

However, HTTPS does not guarantee that a website is trustworthy.

HTTPS encrypts information transmitted between your browser and the website. It does not verify whether the company operating the website is legitimate.

The FTC specifically warns that scammers can operate encrypted websites.

When shopping from an unfamiliar retailer, take a few additional steps:

• Search for the company's name alongside terms such as "reviews," "complaints," or "scam."
• Check whether the business provides legitimate contact information.
• Read its return and refund policies.
• Compare its prices with established retailers.
• Look for independent customer reviews rather than trusting testimonials displayed on the seller's website.

If the business cannot be verified, consider purchasing from another retailer.

2. Be Careful With Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Holiday promotions often include substantial discounts. However, an unusually low price can also be used to attract shoppers to fraudulent websites.

Suppose a product normally costs several hundred dollars, but an unfamiliar seller advertises it for a fraction of that price.

Before purchasing, compare the offer with prices from the manufacturer and other established retailers.

Look beyond the discount percentage.

Check whether the product is new, refurbished, used, or subject to restrictions. Review the shipping cost and any additional charges.

A low advertised price may become much less attractive after these details are considered.

Be especially cautious when an advertisement creates unnecessary urgency.

Messages such as "Last chance to claim your reward" or "Payment required immediately" may be used to pressure shoppers into acting without checking the seller.

A legitimate sale should still give you enough information to make an informed purchase.

3. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Fake Promotions

Phishing is one of the most common ways criminals attempt to obtain passwords, payment information, and other sensitive details.

During holiday shopping periods, fraudulent messages may imitate well-known stores.

They may claim that:

• Your payment failed.
• Your shopping account has been suspended.
• You need to confirm an order.
• You have won a special shopping reward.
• Your delivery address must be updated.

The message often contains a link directing you to a fake website.

These messages may appear convincing because scammers can copy branding and use sender names that resemble legitimate businesses.

Spelling mistakes can be warning signs, but don't rely on them alone. A fraudulent message may be written professionally and contain no obvious errors.

The safest approach is to verify the message independently.

Open the retailer's website or application directly instead of following the link.

If the message concerns an order, check your account's order history.

For payment or banking issues, contact the institution using its official website, application, or a verified telephone number.

Never share passwords or one-time security codes in response to an unexpected message.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Shopping Account

Password reuse creates unnecessary risk.

If you use the same password across several shopping websites, a breach involving one account could expose your other accounts.

Criminals may attempt to use stolen usernames and passwords to sign in to unrelated services. This technique is known as credential stuffing.

Using a separate password for every account limits the damage caused by one compromised password.

For accounts that still require passwords, choose long, random, unique passwords.

CISA recommends passwords containing at least 16 characters.

You don't need to memorize every password.

A reputable password manager can generate strong passwords, store them securely, and help you avoid reusing credentials.

Consider using a password manager for your shopping accounts, email, and other important services.

Your email account deserves particular attention because password-reset messages for other accounts may be delivered there.

5. Enable Multifactor Authentication or Passkeys

A strong password is valuable, but it shouldn't be your only account protection.

Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds another verification step when you sign in.

Depending on the service, you might verify your identity using an authenticator application, a security key, or a one-time code.

Even when a criminal obtains your password, an additional authentication requirement can make unauthorized access more difficult.

However, not all authentication methods provide the same level of protection.

Text-message verification codes and some other one-time codes can still be targeted by phishing attacks.

Where supported, consider using passkeys or other phishing-resistant authentication methods.

Passkeys use cryptographic authentication and can help prevent credentials from being entered into fraudulent websites.

NIST recommends stronger, phishing-resistant authentication methods for protecting sensitive accounts.

Start by enabling the strongest available authentication option on your email, banking, and shopping accounts.

6. Keep Your Devices, Browsers, and Security Software Updated

An outdated browser or operating system may contain security weaknesses that attackers can exploit.

Before shopping, check whether your devices have pending security updates.

Pay particular attention to:

• Your phone or computer's operating system.
• Your web browser.
• Installed shopping applications.
• Security and antivirus software.
• Your home router's firmware.

Enable automatic security updates where practical.

Avoid downloading unfamiliar browser extensions or shopping applications simply because they promise additional discounts.

If you use antivirus software, ensure it receives current security updates.

It's also worth keeping a separate backup of important files. Although backups cannot prevent shopping fraud, they can help you recover data if your device is damaged or infected by malware.

7. Use Public Wi-Fi Carefully

Public Wi-Fi is common in shopping centers, airports, hotels, and coffee shops.

It can be convenient, particularly when you're comparing prices or checking online orders.

Public Wi-Fi is not automatically unsafe.

Most modern websites use HTTPS encryption, which helps protect information transmitted between your browser and the website.

However, public networks still require some caution.

A malicious network may imitate the name of a legitimate hotspot. You could also encounter websites that don't properly protect your information.

When using public Wi-Fi:

• Confirm that you're connecting to the correct network.
• Avoid websites that produce security certificate warnings.
• Make sure payment pages use HTTPS.
• Keep your device updated.
• Disable automatic connections to unfamiliar networks.

For sensitive transactions, using your mobile data connection is a reasonable alternative when you're unsure whether a public network is trustworthy.

A VPN may provide additional privacy in some circumstances, but it cannot make a fraudulent shopping website legitimate.

8. Choose Payment Methods With Strong Fraud Protection

Your payment method matters if an order goes wrong.

In the United States, credit cards generally provide stronger legal protections for eligible disputed charges than many other payment methods.

For example, you may be able to dispute a charge when a seller fails to deliver merchandise or bills you incorrectly.

Debit cards also have protections, but unauthorized transactions may affect money directly held in your bank account.

Consumer rights, bank policies, and dispute deadlines vary by country and payment provider.

Before making an expensive purchase, check what protection your card issuer offers.

Consider enabling transaction notifications so you can identify unexpected charges quickly.

If you notice an unauthorized payment, contact your financial institution immediately rather than waiting until your next statement arrives.

9. Avoid Unusual Payment Requests

Be cautious when an online seller insists on payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or personal payment transfers.

These methods may provide limited opportunities to recover money after fraud.

A legitimate retailer may offer several payment options, but a seller that refuses normal checkout methods and insists on an unusual transfer deserves additional scrutiny.

For example, a scammer might claim that a discounted product can only be purchased after you send money to a personal account.

Another might ask you to buy a gift card and provide the card number and PIN.

Don't follow these instructions.

Use established checkout systems that provide clear transaction records and applicable buyer protections.

When purchasing through an online marketplace, keep communication and payment within the platform whenever possible.

Moving a transaction outside the marketplace may eliminate protections that would otherwise apply.

10. Verify Sellers on Social Media and Online Marketplaces

A familiar marketplace or social media platform doesn't guarantee that every seller is trustworthy.

Fraudulent advertisements can appear alongside legitimate promotions.

Likewise, some marketplace sellers may misrepresent products or fail to deliver them.

Before buying from a third-party seller, examine its recent reviews, transaction history, product descriptions, and return policies.

Be cautious when a seller has little verifiable history or asks you to continue the transaction outside the platform.

Look for inconsistencies between the product listing and the information provided by the seller.

For expensive purchases, confirm whether the item is covered by the marketplace's buyer protection policy.

If you discover a suspicious advertisement, report it through the platform's reporting tools.

11. Protect Your Personal Information and Review App Permissions

Online shopping requires certain personal details, including a delivery address and payment information.

However, not every request for personal information is necessary.

Be cautious if a shopping website asks for sensitive details unrelated to your purchase.

For example, an ordinary product purchase generally shouldn't require your banking password.

Avoid saving payment information on unfamiliar websites.

When installing a shopping application, use the retailer's official website or a trusted application store to find the correct app.

Review the permissions it requests.

A shopping application may have a legitimate reason to access your camera for barcode scanning. Access to your contacts or microphone may be unnecessary for its main functions.

Limit permissions to those needed for features you actually use.

Also consider reviewing privacy settings and deleting shopping accounts you no longer need.

Reducing unnecessary personal information stored online can limit your exposure if a service experiences a data breach.

12. Review Shipping, Return, and Refund Policies Before Buying

Not every online shopping problem involves stolen information.

Sometimes a product arrives late, differs from its description, or never arrives at all.

Before confirming an order, read the seller's shipping and return policies.

Check:

• The estimated delivery date.
• Shipping charges and additional fees.
• Whether discounted products can be returned.
• The deadline for requesting a refund.
• Who pays return shipping costs.
• Whether restocking fees apply.

Holiday sale items may have different return conditions from regularly priced products.

If the terms are unclear, contact the seller before making the payment.

Save a copy of the product description and important purchase terms.

These records may help if you later need to challenge an incorrect charge or request a refund.

13. Be Alert to Fake Delivery Notifications

Delivery scams are particularly convincing when you're expecting several packages.

You might receive a text message claiming that your order cannot be delivered because the address is incomplete.

The message could ask you to pay a small redelivery fee or confirm your payment information.

The link may lead to a fake website designed to collect sensitive information.

The FTC has warned consumers about fraudulent delivery messages impersonating shipping providers.

If you receive an unexpected delivery notification, don't use the link in the message.

Instead, open the retailer's official website or delivery company's tracking service directly.

Use the tracking number from your original order confirmation.

If you cannot confirm the delivery issue through an official source, treat the message as suspicious.

Never provide payment information or one-time verification codes simply because a delivery message requests them.

14. Monitor Transactions and Keep Your Purchase Records

Shopping security doesn't end when your payment is approved.

Unauthorized transactions or delivery problems may become apparent later.

Review your card transactions during and after major shopping events.

Look for unfamiliar merchants, duplicate charges, and purchases you didn't authorize.

Consider enabling alerts for card transactions.

Keep copies of:

• Order confirmation emails.
• Payment receipts.
• Product descriptions.
• Delivery tracking numbers.
• Refund and return correspondence.

Save these records in a secure location.

If a product doesn't arrive or a charge appears incorrect, contact the seller or payment provider promptly.

Don't ignore small unauthorized transactions simply because the amount seems insignificant.

Reporting suspicious activity early gives your financial institution an opportunity to investigate.

How to Identify a Fake Cyber Monday Shopping Website

Some warning signs are easy to miss, particularly when a website has professional branding and attractive product images.

A fake store may display copied reviews, invented contact information, or promotional countdown timers.

Look for several warning signs together rather than relying on a single detail.

Website address: Does the domain match the retailer's official website?

Business information: Can you verify the company's contact information independently?

Payment options: Does the seller insist on a transfer method that offers little buyer protection?

Customer reviews: Are there credible reviews from sources outside the seller's own website?

Return policy: Are delivery, return, and refund terms clearly explained?

Pricing: Is the advertised discount substantially different from offers at established retailers?

Customer support: Can you contact the business through a legitimate support channel?

A missing detail does not always prove that a store is fraudulent. However, several unexplained warning signs should make you reconsider the purchase.

Remember that HTTPS protects the connection, not the honesty of the seller.

What Should You Do If You Fall Victim to a Cyber Monday Scam?

Discovering a fraudulent transaction or compromised account can be stressful.

Your next steps depend on what happened.

If You Entered Payment Information on a Fake Website

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately.

Explain that your payment information may have been compromised.

Ask whether your card should be blocked or replaced, and report any unauthorized charges.

Follow the institution's fraud-dispute process.

Continue checking your transactions for additional suspicious activity.

If You Shared Your Password

Change the password through the legitimate website or application.

If you reused the same password elsewhere, change it on those accounts too.

Enable multifactor authentication and review recent account activity.

Check whether unfamiliar devices or sessions are signed in.

If your email account was affected, secure it as a priority because it may be used to reset passwords for other services.

If You Clicked a Suspicious Link

Clicking a link does not necessarily mean your device has been infected or your information has been stolen.

However, you should avoid entering any information into the suspicious website.

If a file was downloaded or an unfamiliar application was installed, update your security software and run a scan.

Remove anything identified as malicious.

If you gave someone remote access to your device, disconnect that access and seek assistance from a trusted technical support provider.

If You Paid but Never Received the Product

First, contact the seller using verified contact information.

Keep records of your attempts to resolve the issue.

If the seller does not provide an acceptable solution, contact your payment provider to ask about a dispute or refund.

The available options depend on your payment method, location, and the terms of the transaction.

Report the Scam

Reporting suspected fraud can help authorities identify fraudulent activity.

Consumers in the United States can report scams through the Federal Trade Commission's ReportFraud service.

If your identity may have been stolen, IdentityTheft.gov provides recovery guidance for U.S. consumers.

Outside the United States, contact the relevant national cybercrime reporting authority and your financial institution.

Avoid anyone who promises to recover stolen funds in exchange for an upfront payment. Recovery scams can target people who have already lost money.

Cyber Monday Shopping Safety Checklist

Before completing an online purchase, take a moment to confirm the following:

• You're using the retailer's genuine website or application.
• You've checked the seller's reputation.
• The product description and total price are clear.
• Your account uses a unique password and additional authentication where available.
• Your device and browser have current security updates.
• You're using a payment method with appropriate protection.
• You've reviewed shipping and refund conditions.
• You're not following an unexpected payment or delivery link.
• You're not sharing unnecessary personal information.
• You've saved your order confirmation.

You don't need specialized cybersecurity knowledge to follow these steps.

A few careful checks can reduce the risk of common online shopping scams.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyber Monday Safety

Is Cyber Monday safe for online shopping?

Yes, Cyber Monday shopping can be safe when you use legitimate retailers, secure your accounts, and verify payment requests. The main risks include fake websites, phishing messages, fraudulent advertisements, and unauthorized transactions. Following basic online shopping precautions can reduce your exposure to these threats.

What are the most important Cyber Monday safety tips?

Verify the retailer before buying, avoid suspicious promotional links, use unique passwords, enable multifactor authentication, and choose payment methods with buyer protection. You should also monitor transactions and keep your purchase receipts.

How can I tell whether a Cyber Monday deal is a scam?

Compare the advertised price with established retailers, verify the seller's website address, read independent reviews, and examine payment and refund policies. Be cautious when an unfamiliar seller demands immediate payment or insists on gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal transfers.

Is HTTPS enough to confirm that an online store is safe?

No. HTTPS means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted. It does not prove that the business is legitimate. Fraudulent websites can also use HTTPS, so you should verify the retailer separately.

Is it safe to shop using public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi can be reasonably safe when you use properly encrypted websites and connect to legitimate networks. However, avoid suspicious hotspots and websites with security warnings. If you're uncertain about a network, use a trusted private connection for sensitive transactions.

Are credit cards safer than debit cards for Cyber Monday purchases?

Credit cards generally provide stronger dispute protections for certain transactions in the United States. However, protections vary by country, payment provider, and the circumstances of the transaction. Review your card issuer's fraud protection policy before making expensive purchases.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious delivery text?

Don't click the link or share payment information. Open the retailer's official website or delivery company's tracking service independently and verify whether there is a genuine problem with your shipment.

What should I do if I have already purchased something from a fake website?

Contact your payment provider immediately, report the transaction, and ask whether a dispute or refund is possible. If you shared passwords, change them and enable additional authentication. Monitor your accounts and report the scam to the appropriate authority.

Can online shopping scams happen on trusted marketplaces?

Yes. Established marketplaces can still have fraudulent third-party sellers. Check the seller's history, read recent reviews, understand the platform's buyer protection rules, and avoid payments outside the marketplace.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping should be about finding useful products at reasonable prices, not worrying about whether your money or personal information is at risk.

The safest approach is to make a habit of checking who you're buying from, how you're paying, and what information you're sharing.

Don't let a limited-time discount rush you into ignoring suspicious details.

Verify the seller, secure your accounts, and keep records of your purchases.

If something doesn't seem right, it's reasonable to leave the website and find another retailer.

A missed discount is usually easier to deal with than a fraudulent transaction.

Sources and Further Reading

The security recommendations in this guide are supported by guidance from the following organizations:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Online Shopping -Guidance on checking sellers, payment protections, returns, and refunds.
• What To Do if You Were Scammed - Instructions for responding to fraudulent payments and compromised accounts.
• Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? - Guidance on encryption and safe use of public networks.
• How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams - Advice on identifying fraudulent messages.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

• Secure Our World - Guidance covering phishing, passwords, multifactor authentication, and software updates.
• Shop Safely This Holiday Season -Recommended precautions for holiday shoppers.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

• Multi-Factor Authentication - Guidance on account protection and phishing-resistant authentication methods.

Last content update: October 19, 2026.