Are you planning on taking advantage of Black Friday deals? Here are some safety tips for your shopping!
As Black Friday approaches, people get ready for shopping during what is often considered the biggest sales event of the year. Whether you’re an avid shopper or someone looking for deals on specific items, it offers discounts that can be hard to resist. However, it’s essential to keep some safety tips in mind when shopping both online and in-store.
In recent years, countries around the globe have adopted the tradition, offering huge discounts and deals. Retailers worldwide now offer major price cuts on everything from electronics to fashion and home goods. So, let’s learn ways to stay safe while shopping.
When Does the 2024 Black Friday Happen?
The specific date of Black Friday changes every year, but it always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. This year, it will take place on November 29, 2024, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season. However, in other countries, the date may vary slightly, but in most places, it falls between the end of November and early December.
Black Friday has even expanded beyond just a one-day sale, with many businesses offering deals well before and after the actual date, creating what’s known as “Black Week” or even “Black November”. Some major retailers also continue the discounts through the following Monday, known as Cyber Monday, which focuses on online deals.
Safety Tips for Black Friday Shopping
As exciting as this event is, it can also be overwhelming and chaotic, both in-store and online. To make the most of your shopping experience and protect yourself from common risks, follow these safety tips for Black Friday shopping:
Stay Alert in Crowded Areas
If you’re shopping in-store, large crowds can create safety risks. People may push, shove, or even engage in aggressive behavior over limited-stock items. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Arrive Early: if you’re determined to shop in person, get to the store early to avoid the midday rush;
- Avoid Arguments: stay calm and avoid engaging in arguments over items. No deal is worth risking your safety;
- Know Emergency Exits: make a mental note of the store layout, including exits in case of emergency;
- Don’t Shop Alone: if possible, bring a friend or family member with you. Not only does this make the experience more fun, but it also increases your safety.
Guard Your Personal Information
Identity theft is a common problem during the holiday shopping season, especially for online shoppers. Be mindful of where and how you input your personal and payment information.
- Shop on Secure Websites: only enter your credit card information on websites with “https” in the URL and a padlock icon next to the web address;
- Use Strong Passwords: if you create accounts on shopping websites, use complex passwords that include numbers, special characters, and both uppercase and lowercase letters;
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: shopping online while using public Wi-Fi can expose your personal information to hackers. If you need to shop on the go, use a secure VPN or your cellular data.
Limit Physical Cash
Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft, especially in crowded stores. Consider using a credit card or mobile payment options like Google Pay or Apple Pay, which offer more security than physical cash.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Scammers often take advantage of Black Friday by sending fake promotional emails designed to steal your personal information. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Double-check Deals: if an email deal seems too good to be true, it might be a scam. Verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links;
- Go Directly to the Source: rather than clicking on an emailed link, go directly to the retailer’s website into your browser;
- Monitor Your Bank Statements: keep an eye on your bank accounts after shopping to spot any fraudulent activity early.
Protect Your Purchases
Whether you’re buying online or in-store, make sure your items are protected during the checkout process and when they’re in your possession:
- Use Credit Cards: many credit cards offer fraud protection, and some even offer other benefits (price protection, purchase protection, extended warranty);
- Check Return Policies: before making any purchases, especially big-ticket items, review the store’s return and exchange policies;
- Track Your Packages: if you’re shopping online, use tracking services to know when your package will arrive, and try to be home or arrange for a trusted neighbor to receive it.
Happy Black Friday shopping!