Black Friday Scams to Watch for in 2026
Spot fake ads, false delivery texts, and risky payment demands before you pay this Black Friday.
The Black Friday scams to watch for in 2026 are fake shopping ads, orders that never arrive, false delivery alerts, and gift-card payment demands. Brushing, which means receiving unordered packages that often include QR codes leading to phishing sites, is another holiday risk to avoid. Bargain hunting raises exposure because shoppers click quickly and expect parcels.
Surprise gifts and tight deadlines make false messages harder to spot. A short check before paying or clicking saves money and personal data.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 03, 2026.
Why are social-media deals risky?
The Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost $2.1 billion to scams that started on social media in 2025 April 2026 FTC press release. Shopping scams were the most reported type when victims ordered goods seen in ads. The pattern affects bargain-seeking holiday shoppers looking for low prices.
Fake ads often copy photos, logos, and reviews from real sellers. The linked store may use a new domain, missing contact details, or checkout without buyer protections. Prices far below other sellers and pressure to buy fast are warning signs.
What happens with non-delivery orders?
The FBI reports 56,478 non-payment and non-delivery complaints costing over $503 million in 2025, plus $282 million in credit-card fraud FBI holiday scams page. These complaints hit both buyers who never receive goods and sellers who never receive payment. Holiday volume gives false sellers more cover.
A buyer may receive tracking that never updates, a wrong item, or nothing at all. A seller may receive a fake payment notice and ship before funds clear. Keep order records, tracking numbers, and messages until the return window closes.
Should you click delivery alerts?
The Federal Trade Commission warns that fake delivery notices by email and text exploit expected parcels and surprise gifts to induce clicks that steal information FTC holiday alerts archive. Published loss totals reflect only reported fraud and understate harm. Many recipients never report a small loss or a near miss.
Treat an unexpected alert as unverified, especially one asking for payment, address updates, or app downloads. Go to the retailer or carrier site by typing the address yourself, then enter tracking there. Delete the message after checking, and do not reply with personal details.
What about unordered packages?
The Better Business Bureau warns that brushing scams rose in 2025, with victims receiving unordered packages often containing QR codes that lead to phishing sites or harm devices November 2025 report on the BBB warning. Scanning the code can open a fake login page or install harmful software. The package may look like a gift, sample, or prize.
Do not scan a QR code from an unordered package. Do not enter payment, account, or card details to claim, return, or review it. Keep the packaging with sender details in case you need to report it.
How can you pay and respond safely?
Pay by credit card when possible, since it gives clearer dispute options than wire, gift cards, or reload cards. Verify the seller name, physical address, phone, and return policy before ordering. Save receipts and take screenshots of the offer terms.
Report false stores, messages, and unordered-package schemes to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
- Buy from stores you can contact and verify
- Check the URL, domain age, and return terms
- Use credit cards, not gift cards, for payment
- Go direct to carriers for tracking