Black Friday shopping scams are on the rise - experts warn many new domains could be dodgy, here's what to look for

Deep concerns have emerged over holiday shopping security protections as phishing attacks spike across online retail platforms ahead of Black Friday.

According to NordVPN’s new National Privacy Test, over two-thirds (68%) of consumers worldwide cannot reliably identify phishing websites.

This gap in awareness becomes particularly dangerous during the holiday season when shoppers frequently click links in promotional emails or browse unfamiliar online stores seeking deals.

Scam season

NordVPN's systems reported a 36% increase in phishing activity between August and October 2025, showing how cybercriminals intensify efforts during peak shopping periods, as Black Friday and Cyber Monday create ideal conditions for malicious actors.

"Shopping events like Black Friday are a goldmine for cybercriminals. Scammers exploit the frenzy around doorbuster deals and flash ...