Black Friday & Cyber Monday Online Safety
The biggest shopping weekend of the year is also a peak time for scams, pressure spending, and children running up in-app purchases. Here is how to keep the family safe.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring a flood of deals — and a matching flood of scams, fake shops, and spending pressure. Children and teenagers are targeted too, through 'must-have' wishlists, in-game sales, and gift-card tricks. A little preparation keeps the bargains fun and the family's money and details safe.
Spot fake shops and too-good-to-be-true deals
Scam websites and social media adverts spike during sale season. Before buying from an unfamiliar site, check for a real address and contact details, look for reviews away from the site itself, and be wary of huge discounts on sold-out items. Type the shop's name into a search with the word 'scam' to see if others have been caught out.
Lock down in-app and console spending
Games and app stores run aggressive limited-time sales over this weekend. Make sure purchase authentication (Ask to Buy on Apple, purchase approval on Google Play) is switched on, remove saved cards from children's devices, and use fixed-amount gift cards so there is a clear limit.
Beware gift-card and 'delivery' scams
If anyone asks to be paid in gift cards, it is a scam — no genuine retailer does this. Fake 'missed delivery' texts and emails also surge in the run-up to Christmas; they lead to sites that steal card details. Never tap links in unexpected delivery messages — go to the courier's official app or website instead.
Talk about pressure and 'wishlist' influencing
Influencers and adverts work hard to make children feel they must have specific items. Talk with your child about the difference between wanting something and needing it, and about how sponsored content is designed to sell. Agreeing a budget together beforehand reduces meltdowns and impulse buys.
Check age ratings before buying games and devices
Sale prices make it tempting to buy games and gadgets on impulse. Check PEGI age ratings and our app and device guides before you buy, and plan the safety setup (parental controls, accounts) as part of the gift rather than an afterthought.
Related safety topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.