Black Friday 2026 falls on November 27, the day after Thanksgiving, and scammers are counting on you rushing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI both warn that fake ads, copycat websites and too-good-to-be-true prices spike during holiday shopping. This guide covers the warning signs of a fake deal, the safest ways to pay, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- The FTC says unusually low prices are a sign of a scam, especially on normally expensive items.
- Search the seller’s name plus words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam” before you buy.
- Pay by credit card when you can, because you can dispute charges for items you never received or that were wrong or damaged.
- If a seller insists on a gift card, wire transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency, the FTC says it is probably a scam.
- Keep your receipt and order confirmation number, and report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What are the signs of a fake Black Friday deal?
| Warning sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| A price far below everywhere else | The FTC says unusually low prices are a sign of a scam. The FBI puts it bluntly: if it seems too good to be true, it is. |
| A social media ad from a brand you do not know | The FTC says scammers often use social media ads to impersonate real brands at unusually low prices. You may get a counterfeit, something different, or nothing. |
| A polished site with no track record | Scam sites often use photos and logos stolen from legitimate businesses, so a professional look proves nothing. |
| Pressure to pay by gift card, wire, app or crypto | The FTC says only scammers tell you to pay that way. |
| Unclear return and refund terms | Read the terms for the price, extra charges, refund policy, who pays return shipping and any restocking fee. |
How do you check a seller before you buy?
- Search the seller’s name and the website address with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.”
- For first-time sellers on marketplaces, check feedback ratings and be wary of sellers with mostly negative or no ratings, per the FBI.
- Get to the retailer by typing its address yourself or using its official app, instead of tapping an ad or a link in a message.
- Compare the deal against the same product at other well-known stores. If one price is far lower, find out why before paying.
The last two tips are our practical suggestions, while the first two come from the FTC and FBI. For more warning signs, see our guide to recognizing common online shopping scams. If a tracking or delivery text shows up after you order, read what to do about a fake package delivery text before you tap anything.
Which payment methods are safest?
The FTC advises paying by credit card when possible, since you can dispute charges for double billing, items you never got, or wrong or damaged items. The FBI also advises paying with a credit card, never wiring money to a seller, avoiding prepaid gift cards, and checking your statements regularly for suspicious charges. If a seller says gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency are the only options, treat it as a scam. A password manager also helps you avoid reusing logins across shopping sites.
What if a deal turns out to be fake?
- Try the seller first. If that fails, dispute the charge with the company that processed your payment, per the FTC.
- Keep your records. The FTC says your receipt and order confirmation number can help you get your money back.
- Know your delivery rights. The FTC says sellers must ship by the date they or their ads state, or offer you a refund.
- Report it. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FBI asks that holiday scams be reported to its Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Watch your accounts. If your card details were exposed, contact your card issuer, and consider whether to check your credit report for free.
FAQ
When is Black Friday 2026? Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving on November 26.
Is a low price always a scam? No, but the FTC says unusually low prices are a sign of one. Verify the seller before you pay.
Is a credit card safer than a debit card or payment app? The FTC says credit cards offer more protections, including the option to dispute charges if you receive the wrong item or nothing at all.
Where do I report a shopping scam? At ReportFraud.ftc.gov with the FTC, and at ic3.gov with the FBI for holiday scams.
For more, visit our Consumer Safety section.
Tips are from the FTC’s holiday shopping scam alert and 2024 holiday alert, and the FBI’s holiday scams page. The date of Thanksgiving is from the NYSE holiday calendar. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
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