Picture this: you’re scrolling through Instagram and see an ad for “70% off your favourite jeans, a Black Friday exclusive.”  You click, buy, and wait for a package that never arrives.

Online shopping scams thrive on urgency, using fake social media accounts and spoofed websites that mimic trusted retailers.

As Canadians prepare for one of the biggest shopping days of the year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mainland BC wants to help consumers score great deals without falling for sneaky traps.

BBB’s tips to shop like a holiday hero:

1. Have a plan:
   Make a list of must-buys and compare flyers and promotions to find the best prices. Set a budget, and stick to it. Schedule breaks to refuel and avoid shopping while hangry.
2. Read the fine print:
   That “extra 60% off” might be based on inflated original prices. Review price tags, terms, return policies, and competitor offers carefully.
3. Check the reviews:
   Visit BBB.org for verified business reviews and ratings. Be cautious of extremely discounted items with no or questionable product reviews.
4. Sign up for email alerts and rewards programs:
   Join email lists for exclusive coupons or early access to sales. Use rewards cards for cashback, points, or other benefits.
5. Know your returns and warranties:
   Keep gift receipts and take note of return windows. Pass along any exchange or warranty details to gift recipients.
6. Shop online safely:
   Compare online deals to in-store prices. Many online deals will match in-store prices and vice versa. Look for free shipping or in-store pickup options. Use trusted coupon sites or browser extensions for extra discounts, and check if Cyber Monday might offer an even better deal.
7. Spot the BBB Seal:
   For peace of mind, shop with businesses that display the BBB Seal: a symbol of trust and ethical practices in the marketplace.

Fall for a scam or narrowly avoid one? There is power in telling your story. Report your personal experiences to BBB Scam Tracker, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org. Regional, independent BBBs can be found across the United States and Canada, including BBB Serving Mainland BC & the Yukon Territory, which was founded in 1939.

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