Black Friday 2026 is on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26). Cyber Monday follows on November 30. Many retailers start their “Black Friday” sales weeks earlier, which also gives scammers a longer season to push fake deals, phony delivery texts and copycat websites.
Here are the dates to know, the scams that show up every holiday season and simple habits that keep your money safe.
Holiday Shopping Dates for 2026
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 |
| Black Friday | Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 |
| Small Business Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026 |
| Cyber Monday | Monday, Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Giving Tuesday | Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 |
Expect early promotions in the first half of November, with some deals starting on Thanksgiving Day and running through the weekend into Cyber Monday. A sale that is “ending in minutes” is often a pressure tactic, not a real deadline.
Common Holiday Shopping Scams to Watch For
- Fake store websites. Copycat sites use real brand logos and prices that look too good to be true. The web address may differ by one letter or use an odd ending. Shoppers pay and receive nothing, or a cheap knockoff.
- Social media deal ads. Ads for discounted electronics, designer goods or hard-to-find toys can lead to sellers who vanish after payment.
- Delivery text and email scams. A message claims a package is held and asks you to click a link to pay a small “redelivery fee” or confirm your address. The goal is your card number or login.
- “Problem with your order” calls. Callers pretend to be from a big retailer or your bank and say a large purchase was made on your account. They then push you to “verify” details or move money.
- Gift card payment demands. No real business or government agency requires payment in gift cards. Anyone who asks for gift card numbers is a scammer.
- Fake charities around Giving Tuesday. Look-alike names and emotional appeals are used to collect donations that never reach a real cause.
Many of these start with a link. Our guide on how to recognize phishing messages and fake links shows the warning signs in detail.
How to Shop Safely on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Type the store address yourself or use the retailer’s official app instead of clicking ads or texts.
- Research unfamiliar sellers. Search the store name plus “scam” or “reviews” and look for a real phone number and return policy.
- Pay with a credit card or a trusted payment service. Credit cards generally give you stronger dispute rights than debit cards. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency and payment apps for strangers.
- Track packages only on the carrier’s official site using the tracking number from your order confirmation.
- Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication. See our password and 2FA guide.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi unless you use a trusted connection. Our public Wi-Fi safety tips explain why.
- Check your statements often during the season and report unfamiliar charges right away.
What to Do If You Get Scammed
Act fast. Contact your bank or card issuer to dispute the charge and, if needed, cancel the card. If you paid with a gift card, call the company that issued the card immediately and ask whether the money can be frozen. Change any password you entered on a suspicious site.
Then report it. In the United States, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Online fraud can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Reports help investigators spot patterns, even if your money cannot be recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is Black Friday 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026. Cyber Monday is November 30.
How can I tell if a shopping website is fake?
Warning signs include prices far below other stores, a misspelled web address, no working contact details, payment only by wire or gift card, and reviews that appear only on the site itself.
Do delivery companies text links asking for fees?
Treat any unexpected text asking you to pay a fee or enter card details as suspicious. Check your tracking number directly on the carrier’s official website or app instead of clicking the link.
Is it safer to pay with a credit card or debit card online?
Credit cards usually offer stronger fraud protection and dispute rights, and a fraudulent charge does not drain your checking account while it is investigated.
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