Black Friday Scams Are Getting Smarter This Ember Month: Here’s What to Avoid and How to Stay Safe
Black Friday is here again and while everyone is hunting for Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot deals, scammers are also gearing up.
And unfortunately, cybercriminals are using the hype to create more advanced scams than ever.
Before you rush into “too good to be true” offers this week, here are the NEW Black Friday scam styles everyone needs to avoid in 2025.
1. Fake Gift Card Deals (Walmart, Home Depot, Apple & More)
This is the biggest scam trending right now. Fake pages advertise crazy discounts on popular gift cards, Walmart, Home Depot, Apple, Steam, Best Buy, Target, you name it.
You pay…
The page disappears…
The seller vanishes…
And your money is gone.
Scammers know gift cards trend every holiday season, which makes this the easiest trap to fall for.
2. Cloned “Official” Store Websites
Fraudsters are now replicating entire websites, layout, design, product listings, reviews, everything.
Even the Black Friday countdown timers look real.
But look closely:
- The URL has slight spelling changes
- No SSL security
- Prices seem too good to be true
- Customer support never replies
One wrong click, and your card or identity is at risk.
3. “Pay to Reserve Your Deal” Scams
Brands like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot never ask customers to pre-pay to “lock” a Black Friday deal.
Scammers, however, use this urgency tactic:
“Pay now so we can secure your Black Friday price!”
Don’t fall for it. Real retailers only charge when you check out normally.
4. Telegram & WhatsApp “Flash Sales”
Those groups that claim:
“We have direct access to holiday stock!”
99% fake.
No receipts. No tracking numbers. No refunds.
Just smooth talk and stolen money.
5. Crypto-Only Payment Pages
If a website forces you to pay only in crypto run.
Legitimate stores don’t do this.
Scammers prefer crypto because it’s irreversible, untraceable, and perfect for disappearing after the transaction.
How to Stay Safe This Black Friday
✔ Verify sellers through trusted platforms
Never buy gift cards, electronics, or holiday deals from random pages or unknown social media sellers.
✔ Avoid anyone who can’t offer refunds or receipts
If you can’t get proof of payment, walk away.
✔ Don’t let fake timers pressure you
Scammers love countdowns to force quick decisions.
✔ Always double-check the URL
One extra letter in “Walmart” or “Target” is all it takes to land on a cloned site.
Buy Legit Gift Cards This Black Friday — Use Zabira
If you want real Black Friday savings without the scams, get your gift cards from Zabira:
- Buy authentic gift cards — Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Apple, Steam, Home Depot & more
- Sell gift cards for cash instantly
- Gift digital gift cards to friends and family securely
- Transparent rates and a trusted platform
- No disappearing sellers, fake pages, or mystery discounts
This Black Friday should save you money, not steal it.
Stay smart, stay alert, and shop safely with Zabira. Check out other safety tips to save money this december.
