Black Friday has become a global phenomenon. What started as a U.S. retail event has morphed into an international online shopping spree. But while shoppers hunt for the best deals, fraudsters are also gearing up. In fact, data shows that digital fraud spikes - or at least remains a consistent threat - during mass-shopping events like Black Friday. Here’s why, how to protect yourself, and why using a VPN like Octohide VPN can be a smart move.

Why Black Friday Is a High-Risk Moment for Digital Fraud

1. Surge in Transaction Volume = More Targets

With millions of people buying online in a compressed time window, fraudsters see a perfect opportunity. The flood of transactions makes it easier for bad actors to hide their activities, and less experienced shoppers may not scrutinize every deal.

2. Real Fraud Rates Are Significant

• According to TransUnion, around 4.6% of global e-commerce transactions attempted between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in 2024 were suspected of being fraudulent. 

• In specific markets, the risk is even higher. For example, a TransUnion analysis found that 15% of attempted online transactions in the Philippines on Black Friday were flagged as suspicious. 

• While some regions saw fraud drop: Globally, TransUnion noted that suspected digital fraud during Black Friday 2024 was 30.2% lower than in 2023. 

These numbers confirm what many experts warn: holiday shopping creates a “fraud-rich” environment.

3. Fraud Risk Isn’t Just About Fake Products

It’s not just about scammy sellers - fraud on Black Friday comes in many forms:

• Phishing & fake websites: Scammers create convincing sites mimicking real retailers.

• Account takeover: Fraudsters hijack accounts and make purchases.

• Data harvesting: During peak shopping, criminals may try to extract user data more aggressively.

Why Your Data Is at Extra Risk

• Public Wi-Fi vulnerability: Many people shop from cafés, buses, or airports during Black Friday. These networks are often insecure and make it easier for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information.

• Overconfidence in deals: When deals feel urgent or too good to miss, consumers may rush through checkout and skip security checks.

• High-pressure tactics: Fraudsters use social engineering, phishing emails, and fake “limited-time offers” to trick shoppers into sharing personal information.

How to Protect Yourself During Black Friday

Here are smart, practical steps to stay safe while shopping online during Black Friday:

1. Shop from trusted retailers
   Stick to verified brands and official websites. Double-check URLs, avoid suspicious domain names, and always look for “https://” in the address bar.

2. Use secure payment methods
   Prefer credit cards or payment gateways that offer fraud protection. Limit using debit cards or saving payment details on websites.

3. Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a safe connection
   If you’re shopping from a coffee shop or on the go, use a VPN to encrypt your connection (more on that below).

4. Enable 2FA / MFA
   Turn on two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever possible - especially for payment accounts and online retailers.

5. Monitor your financial statements
   During and after Black Friday, keep a close eye on your bank / card activity. Set up alerts for unusual transactions.

6. Be cautious in your email Inbox
   Watch out for phishing emails that promise “exclusive Black Friday deals.” Don’t click on suspicious links — navigate to the site manually.

How Octohide VPN Helps You Stay Safe During Black Friday

A VPN isn’t just for streaming - it’s a powerful tool to protect you when shopping online, especially on high-risk days like Black Friday. Here’s how Octohide VPN supports safer shopping:

• Encrypts your internet traffic: Prevents anyone (including hackers on public Wi-Fi) from seeing your browsing or payment data.

• Hides your IP address: Makes it more difficult for fraudsters to associate your online activity with your real location.

• Keeps you anonymous: Octohide has a strict no-logs policy - your browsing history isn’t stored or shared.

• Unlimited bandwidth: Even with the free version, you won’t hit data caps while browsing or making purchases.

• Fast servers in key locations: Connect to secure servers in Europe or elsewhere to maintain speed and security.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fraud Ruin Your Deals

Black Friday offers big savings, but it also comes with big risks. Fraudsters know this. They exploit the chaos, volume, and urgency of the shopping season to try and trick consumers.

By staying vigilant, using secure payment methods, and adding a strong layer of protection like Octohide VPN, you can enjoy the deals without compromising your privacy or financial safety.

Stay smart, stay secure - and happy, safe shopping.