In The News Why online scammers love Black Friday
Nov 26, 2025
Conor Pope, a consumer affairs correspondent for the Irish Times, dives deep into the world of Black Friday shopping scams. With Irish shoppers spending around €329 each, the online frenzy creates fertile ground for scammers. Conor details common scams like fake websites and counterfeit goods and offers tips for safe shopping. He emphasizes the importance of understanding timing for genuine discounts and highlights consumer rights. Tune in for essential advice to navigate the chaotic sales season safely and wisely.
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Sales Windows Are Mostly Manufactured
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday are largely contrived sales windows with no original necessity today.
- Retailers feel forced into prolonged discount periods that start in early November and continue into December.
Early Black Friday Frenzy In The UK
- Conor recalls early UK Black Friday chaos when shoppers fought over discounted TVs at Asda.
- That launch spurred many retailers to adopt Black Friday despite its recent arrival in Europe.
Never Follow Email Links For Deals
- Avoid clicking email or social links; instead navigate directly to trusted retailers' websites.
- Treat urgent countdowns as red flags and pause before you buy to avoid phishing or fake sites.