Consumers warned to stay alert as online scams surge during Black Friday sales
As the Black Friday and Cyber Monday season gets underway, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is urging shoppers to exercise strong caution amid a rise in sophisticated online scams. The agency’s latest research indicates that nearly a quarter of consumers plan to buy during the sales period, creating fertile ground for fraudsters seeking to exploit increased activity.
According to the CCPC, scammers are deploying highly convincing tactics, particularly on social media where cloned versions of well-known retailers and fabricated local shops are being used to lure buyers. Shoppers are being advised to avoid clicking through advertisements and instead purchase through verified retailer websites or official apps.
To underline the risks, the CCPC has released a series of case studies from late 2024 to August this year showing losses ranging from €42 to €20,000. One individual paid €125 for an armchair through what appeared to be a legitimate furniture retailer’s website, only to discover the site was an imitation. The consumer recovered the full amount after their bank reversed the transaction.
In a similar incident, another shopper paid €30 for a shoulder brace that never arrived. Days later, an additional €46.15 was taken from their account by the same fraudulent operator. Upon realising the deception, the consumer found negative reviews from others with identical experiences and noted that the website’s imagery and presentation had raised subtle concerns in hindsight.
The CCPC’s Director of Communications, Gráinne Griffin, noted that the landscape has changed rapidly. With the use of advanced tools, including AI, scammers are now able to clone websites with a level of precision that removes many of the older warning signs consumers once relied on. Griffin cautioned shoppers to take their time, resist the pressure of countdown clocks and limited-time offers, and prioritise safety over urgency.
Consumers who believe they have been targeted are encouraged to contact their bank or payment provider as quickly as possible. Chargeback options may be available, depending on the circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.