The Dark Side of Black Friday: Scams, Fraud & Staying Safe

Is Black Friday a harmless shopping event or the most dangerous time of year for scammers to strike? In this episode, we dig into why Black Friday has become a prime opportunity for criminals — from fake retail websites and phishing emails to delivery text scams, marketplace fraud, and “too good to be true” deals designed to empty your bank account. We break down how scammers operate, why fraud spikes every November, and the psychological tricks that make shoppers more vulnerable. We also explore the origins of Black Friday, how it spread to the UK, and the retail tactics that blur the line between marketing and manipulation. Plus, we share practical tips to help you stay safe, avoid common traps, and shop smarter this Black Friday. Follow True Crime Catch Up on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠social media⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to our solo podcasts: ⁠⁠British Murders with Stuart Blues⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠UK True Crime Podcast