From fake toys to dodgy deals: the Black Friday scams every parent should know about
Don’t let a fake deal ruin your family’s finances. From scam texts to bogus bargains, here’s what to watch for this Black Friday.
Black Friday (28 November) is a brilliant time to score savings on parenting must-haves – from discounted pushchairs to cut-price baby monitors. But behind the deals lurk online scammers, ready to catch out busy, sleep-deprived parents with convincing fakes and too-good-to-be-true prices.
Whether it’s a phishing email offering an 80%-off family tablet or a fake website promising bargain baby gear, the scam tactics are getting sneakier – and parents are often prime targets.
Here are the 12 scams to watch for this deals season – and what to do instead.
1. The 'too good to miss' trap
That 80% off play kitchen? Probably a scam. Stick to what you planned to buy and know the real price.
MFM tip: If a kids’ tablet usually costs £100 and it’s being sold for £20, assume it’s fake.
2. Dodgy retailers flogging unsafe toys
Tempted by a random site offering cheap nursery gear? Pause. If you haven’t heard of the brand, check for:
- A real business address
- Contact details
- Verified reviews (Trustpilot or Feefo)
- Listing on Companies House
Safety matters, especially with electronics and baby products.
3. Scammers on Facebook Marketplace
Baby monitors, scooters, tablets – scammers love high-demand parenting buys. Be wary of:
- No CE or UKCA markings
- Only stock photos (not real pics)
- No returns policy
And never pay by bank transfer unless you really trust the seller.
4. Fake websites with no ‘https’
That little ‘s’ in the website URL matters. No ‘s’ = no security. If it just says ‘http’, close the tab immediately and don’t enter any card info.
5. Email scams pretending to be big brands
Scam emails are getting slick – think perfect logos and tempting offers on hot-ticket items like smartwatches or air fryers.
If it looks too perfect or you never signed up to their mailing list, don’t click. Go directly to the brand’s official website instead.
6. Scammy text messages with links
“Your £500 pushchair deal is ready to claim!” Sound familiar? Forward any scammy texts to 7726 (free) to help block the number.
Rule of thumb: If you’ve never shopped there, don’t trust their text.
7. Unsafe payment methods
Always pay via:
- Credit card
- PayPal
- Apple Pay or Google Pay
These give you extra protection if anything goes wrong. Avoid bank transfers unless it’s a site or seller you fully trust.
8. Not using two-step security
Two-step authentication might sound techy, but it’s easy to set up – and a must for keeping your shopping accounts secure.
You can also check if your email or passwords have been exposed in a breach via haveibeenpwned.com
9. No added security on your card
Make sure your debit or credit card has features like:
- Verified by Visa
- Mastercard Identity Check
These give an extra layer of fraud protection when shopping online.
10. Not reading the reviews first
Photos can lie. Before you buy that travel system or toddler tech, check verified reviews – they’ll tell you if it’s worth it or even real.
Want guaranteed safe buys? All deals in our MFM Black Friday offers hub are from verified, trusted retailers.
11. Sharing too much info at checkout
If a site’s asking for your child’s name, your date of birth or your first pet’s name just to buy a toy? Back away. Legit retailers only ask for what’s essential.
12. Not knowing where to report a scam
If you’ve been scammed – or even just spotted a dodgy site – take action:
- Report scam emails: report@phishing.gov.uk
- Report websites: National Cyber Security Centre
- Report financial fraud: Action Fraud – 0300 123 2040
- In Scotland? Contact Police Scotland
And if you spot an unauthorised payment, contact your bank straight away.
What to do if you didn’t get what you paid for
If your item never shows up or isn’t what was promised, you do have rights.
Paid by credit card? You may be covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for items between £100–£30,000.
Misled by a seller? Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you’re entitled to a refund, repair or replacement – and you have up to six years to make a claim (five in Scotland).
Shop safe and save big
Black Friday deals can be brilliant – if you stick to trusted retailers and don’t let your guard down. Our advice? Make a list, stay sharp, and shop only from sites you know are legit.
Need help finding verified deals?
Our Black Friday offers deals hub is updated daily with trusted savings from safe, expert-approved retailers only.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.