{"id":99420,"date":"2026-10-29T15:03:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T19:03:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/?post_type=rbc_my_money_matter&#038;p=99420"},"modified":"2026-10-29T15:03:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T19:03:09","slug":"spotting-scams-how-to-shop-safely-online-this-black-friday","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/spotting-scams-how-to-shop-safely-online-this-black-friday\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotting Scams: How to Shop Safely Online This Black Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block drop-shadow pos-rel top-line-blue block-wpr\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-block-inner-block block-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font: 28px RBCDisplay !important\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black Friday\u2019s big discounts, limited-time deals and high volumes create opportunities for scammers to catch shoppers off guard.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cyber security deserves a place in your Black Friday prep, along with budgeting, research and comparison shopping.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fake websites, ads, delivery texts and products are among the common shopping scams to watch for.<\/p><\/li>\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few simple precautions before, during and after a purchase can help protect your money and personal information.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><br>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year \u2013 and it comes with great opportunities to save on everything from electronics and clothing to holiday gifts. For savvy shoppers, solid preparation is part of the experience: making a list, setting a budget, comparing prices and planning which deals to go after. As you\u2019re putting together your Black Friday shopping strategy, there\u2019s one more step to add: cyber security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers know that Black Friday brings a surge of online shopping activity, with consumers ready to snap up deals before they disappear. They use that excitement to promote fake offers, create convincing shopping websites and send messages designed to get shoppers to act quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way. By building cyber security into your shopping routine, you can make the most of Black Friday savings while helping protect your personal and financial information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-black-friday-is-a-big-opportunity-for-scammers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Black Friday is a big opportunity for scammers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black Friday has all the ingredients scammers love: big discounts, limited-time offers and motivated shoppers eager to get their hands on popular products before they sell out. Add a flood of promotional emails, social media ads and delivery notifications, and a fraudulent message can easily get lost in the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is what the first stage of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/spotting-scams-the-six-stages-of-a-scam\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99420-167a2b9f\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Scam Journey\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Scam Journey<\/a> \u2013 circumstance \u2013 is all about. Scammers look for situations where people may be more likely to respond to an offer or request. During Black Friday, the excitement of finding a great deal (or perhaps more so, the fear of missing out on one) can make it tempting to act quickly without checking all the details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about it: A gaming console at half price might sound perfectly reasonable during a Black Friday sale. And if you\u2019re expecting several packages, a text about a delivery problem might not seem unusual. Knowing how scammers take advantage of these everyday situations can help you recognize when something deserves a second look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-before-you-shop-get-your-cyber-security-checklist-ready\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you shop: Get your cyber security checklist ready<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve made your shopping list, checked your budget and scoped out the deals. Now it\u2019s time for a quick cyber security check before the shopping begins. Here\u2019s what that can look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Give your devices a quick update:<\/strong> Make sure your phone, computer and browsers have all the latest software and security updates. These often include fixes that help protect against cyber threats.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Secure your accounts:<\/strong> Use strong, unique passwords for your banking, email and retail accounts, and turn on multi-factor authentication wherever possible. RBC clients can also benefit from automatic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/8-apps-and-tools-to-help-defend-against-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99420-fc9bce58\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"2-Step Verification and can set up account Alerts\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">2-Step Verification and can set up account Alerts<\/a> to help stay on top of account activity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose how you\u2019ll pay:<\/strong> Credit cards generally offer established processes for disputing eligible transactions and reporting unauthorized charges. Some card issuers also offer virtual card numbers, while trusted digital wallets can provide additional payment security. Take a moment to check what\u2019s available to you.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bookmark your go-to stores:<\/strong> Save the verified website addresses of your favourite retailers. That way, you can head straight to the right place instead of relying on links in promotional emails, social media ads or sponsored search results.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stick to trusted Wi-Fi:<\/strong> Shopping from your sofa? Great! A secure, password-protected home network or your mobile data connection is a safer choice than public Wi-Fi, especially when entering payment information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Be selective about what you share:<\/strong> You don\u2019t have to accept every cookie or save your payment details every time you shop. Review optional cookie settings, avoid storing payment information on unfamiliar sites and share only what\u2019s needed to complete your purchase.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These small steps can become part of your regular shopping routine, helping you stay protected long after the Black Friday sales are over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-while-you-shop-five-scams-that-could-spoil-a-good-deal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">While you shop: Five scams that could spoil a good deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers can turn up at just about any point in your Black Friday shopping experience \u2013 from the first ad you see to the final delivery notification. Here are five common scams, how they work and the warning signs to watch for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"h-fake-shopping-websites\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake shopping websites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"622\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Shopping-Websites-Scam_EN-1.png\" alt=\"This scam text promotes a fake shopping website, urging the victim to click on a link to visit the site and make a purchase.\" class=\"wp-image-99431 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Shopping-Websites-Scam_EN-1.png 580w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Shopping-Websites-Scam_EN-1.png?resize=280,300 280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers create websites that look like popular retailers or legitimate online stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for<\/strong>: Unusual website addresses, missing contact information, unclear return policies or unexpected payment requests<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"h-fake-social-media-ads\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake social media ads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"581\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Social-Media-Ads-Scam_EN-2.png\" alt=\"This scam text promotes a major discount at an online retailer, urging the victim to click on a link to visit the site and make a purchase.\" class=\"wp-image-99428 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Social-Media-Ads-Scam_EN-2.png 581w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Fake-Social-Media-Ads-Scam_EN-2.png?resize=300,285 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fraudulent ads promoting big discounts, often with slick brand images and glowing reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Unfamiliar sellers, prices that seem too good to be true and countdown timers that push you to buy now<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"h-package-delivery-smishing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Package delivery smishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"580\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Package-Delivery-Smishing-Scam_EN.png\" alt=\"This scam text claims there is a problem with a delivery, asking the victim to pay an additional fee.\" class=\"wp-image-99429 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Package-Delivery-Smishing-Scam_EN.png 580w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Package-Delivery-Smishing-Scam_EN.png?resize=300,286 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fake text messages claim there\u2019s a problem with your delivery and ask you to click a link or pay a small fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Notices for packages you never ordered or a request for additional payment upon delivery<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"h-out-of-stock-scams\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Out-of-stock scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"581\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Out-of-Stock-Scam_EN.png\" alt=\"This scam text claims that the scammer has a hard-to-find item the victim wanted, requesting the victim transfer money to reserve the item.\" class=\"wp-image-99433 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Out-of-Stock-Scam_EN.png 581w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Out-of-Stock-Scam_EN.png?resize=300,285 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers claim to have popular, hard-to-find products available when other stores are sold out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Pressure to pay immediately or send money through e-Transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-cool-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 id=\"h-counterfeit-goods\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Counterfeit goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"581\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Counterfeit-Goods-Scam_EN-1.png\" alt=\"This scam text advertises luxury products at bargain prices, urging the victim to click on a link to visit the site and make a purchase.\" class=\"wp-image-99438 size-thumbnail\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Counterfeit-Goods-Scam_EN-1.png 581w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/10\/Counterfeit-Goods-Scam_EN-1.png?resize=300,285 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fraudulent sellers advertise brand-name products at bargain prices but deliver cheap imitations or nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Unusually low prices, questionable seller information and vague product descriptions<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-before-you-click-buy-do-a-quick-double-check\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before you click \u201cBuy,\u201d do a quick double-check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Found a deal from a retailer you don\u2019t recognize? A little research can help you decide whether it\u2019s worth adding to your cart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for independent customer reviews, check that the business has legitimate contact information and take a look at its return and refund policies.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay attention to the checkout process, too. If you\u2019re suddenly redirected to another website, asked to send money to an individual or told to use a strange payment method, it\u2019s a good time to stop.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember, a slick website and a secure HTTPS connection don\u2019t necessarily mean a store is legitimate. Scammers can create convincing sites that look and function much like the real thing.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-after-you-shop-keep-an-eye-on-your-purchases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">After you shop: Keep an eye on your purchases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ve found the deals, placed your orders and crossed a few gifts off your list.&nbsp; Nice work! There are just a few more things to do to keep your shopping experience on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hang on to your receipts<\/strong>: Save order confirmations, receipts, product descriptions and delivery estimates. Screenshots can come in handy if a listing changes or disappears, or if you need to dispute a charge.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check your transactions<\/strong>: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements, and review any alerts about unfamiliar purchases. If something looks off, contact your financial institution right away.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Track your packages the safe way<\/strong>: Expecting a delivery? Use the retailer\u2019s or courier\u2019s official website or app to check its status. Avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails claiming there\u2019s a problem with your package.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-think-you-ve-encountered-an-online-shopping-scam-here-s-what-to-do\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Think you\u2019ve encountered an online shopping scam? Here\u2019s what to do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even careful shoppers can encounter convincing scams. If you think you\u2019ve been targeted or have shared information with a fraudster, taking action quickly can help limit the damage. Here\u2019s what to do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Report the incident<\/strong>. Notify your bank and law enforcement.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scan your devices<\/strong>. If you clicked on a link or attachment, it\u2019s a good idea to run an antivirus scan to check for malicious software. <\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Change your passwords<\/strong>. Update passwords for any accounts that might be compromised.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lock down your credit<\/strong>. If you shared personal information with the scammer, it\u2019s a good idea to place a fraud alert on your credit report.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lock or cancel your credit card<\/strong>. If you inadvertently provided the scammer with your credit or debit card information, immediately lock and then cancel your card.<\/p><\/li>\n    <li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alert others<\/strong>. Warn friends and family so they don\u2019t fall for the same scam.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-light-grey-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/cyber-security\/_assets-custom\/pdf\/Digital_Safety_and_Scams_Booklet_Personal_EN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99420-43a919fb\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Digital Safety and Scams\" class=\"rbc-link-format rbc-link-format standalone-pdf\" data-icon-class=\"standalone-pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Safety and Scams<\/a> guide includes a detailed directory of reporting contacts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, including credit bureau and banking details.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-shop-smart-save-big-and-stay-safe\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shop smart, save big and stay safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Black Friday is a great opportunity to find deals, get a head start on holiday shopping and stretch your budget a little further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a few cyber-smart habits in place, you can focus on finding the things you want at prices you\u2019ll love. Make cyber security part of your shopping strategy, take a moment to check unfamiliar offers and keep an eye on your purchases after checkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This Black Friday, keep the deals coming \u2013 and the scammers out of your cart!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Spotting scams is becoming increasingly hard to do. The best thing is to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbc.com\/cyber-security\/alerts\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" data-dig-id=\"LP-99420-f7b118d4\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"stay aware of current scams\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">stay aware of current scams<\/a>&nbsp;and understand the ways you can protect yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Great deals are part of the excitement of Black Friday, but scammers are looking to cash in too. Learn how to spot online shopping scams and protect yourself before, during and after you shop.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":99421,"parent":57322,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-mmm-sticky-nav","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"tags":[132,524,135],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[],"rbc_lob_group":[133],"rbc_difficulty_level":[],"rbc_mmm_category":[321,376,304,375],"rbc_mmm_author":[],"class_list":["post-99420","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cyber-crime","tag-cyber-security","tag-cyber-tips","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_lob_group-cyber-security","rbc_mmm_category-cyber-security","rbc_mmm_category-cyber-security-for-business","rbc_mmm_category-money-academy","rbc_mmm_category-understanding-cyber-safety"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_video_keywords":"","rbc_video_description":"","rbc_video_upload_date":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":[{"title":"Why Black Friday is a big opportunity for scammers","url":"#h-why-black-friday-is-a-big-opportunity-for-scammers"},{"title":"Before you shop: Get your cyber security checklist ready","url":"#h-before-you-shop-get-your-cyber-security-checklist-ready"},{"title":"While you shop: Five scams that could spoil a good deal","url":"#h-while-you-shop-five-scams-that-could-spoil-a-good-deal"},{"title":"Before you click \u201cBuy,\u201d do a quick double-check","url":"#h-before-you-click-buy-do-a-quick-double-check"},{"title":"After you shop: Keep an eye on your purchases","url":"#h-after-you-shop-keep-an-eye-on-your-purchases"},{"title":"Think you\u2019ve encountered an online shopping scam? Here\u2019s what to do","url":"#h-think-you-ve-encountered-an-online-shopping-scam-here-s-what-to-do"}],"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":"Generate Table Of Contents"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to spot online shopping scams and protect yourself before, during and after you shop.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/cyber-security\/understanding-cyber-security\/spotting-scams-how-to-shop-safely-online-this-black-friday\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to spot online shopping scams and protect 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