Black Friday scams to watch for and how to avoid them

(InvestigateTV) — Some Black Friday deals can cost shoppers more than they save, and Kyle James, a writer for ConsumerAffairs, identified the biggest red flags this year.

The first is what are known as “ghost websites.” These are fake sites promoted through phony social media ads with offers that seem too good to be true.

“The ads are really convincing. Sometimes they’ll use celebrities in their ads. They’ll use some really good marketing tools. You’ll see brands that you recognize. And a lot of people will click on it and go to these ghost websites, and those websites are designed to either place your order, and you never see the product. Or they’re going to steal your credit card information and you’re never going to hear from them again,” James said.

Before clicking, shoppers can type the company’s name into a browser and search it with the word “scam.”

Another trick involves social media ads claiming a “store closing” or “final close-out.” The ads send shoppers to a fake website that collects their personal information.

Another scam involves fake customer service numbers.

“A lot of times these scammers will buy sponsored Google listings for like ‘BestBuy’ customer service, and in many cases, it will be up above the actual BestBuy phone number. And they want you to call it and they’re going to get you and try to get your credit card information or try to do something nefarious,” James said.

Shoppers should use a store’s app or official website to find the real customer service number.

The final scam involves text messages about a “delayed delivery” or a “problem with your order.”

James said a legitimate company will not text customers to verify a tracking number or an address. Shoppers should not click links in those texts or give any information.