November is the month of fake Black Friday tech deals - here's how to spot them

As the month of November approaches, consumers are often lured by deals purportedly tied to Black Friday, which actually begins on November 27. However, these discounts may not be as enticing as they seem. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy begin their sales weeks in advance, and not all offers are as beneficial as they claim. Some may even be fraudulent, including fake storefronts and phishing emails masquerading as promotions.

A 2025 study by UK consumer group Which? found that 83 percent of 175 items tracked across eight retailers were available at the same price or cheaper outside the four-week Black Friday sales period. This highlights the importance of comparing prices rather than relying solely on a perceived bargain.

Bitdefender's analysis of Black Friday-related spam between October and November 2025 revealed that 53 percent of such messages were scams. These included fraudulent Amazon coupons and emails impersonating well-known retailers. To verify if a discount is truly worthwhile, consumers are advised to copy the product URL from Amazon and paste it into a price tracker such as CamelCamelCamel or Keepa.

Alternatively, Amazon’s Alexa for Shopping assistant, which does not require a Prime membership, can display up to 365 days of price history for eligible items.

Price hikes just before a sale should raise suspicion. For instance, the Samsung Jet Bot robot vacuum was advertised for £350 on Black Friday 2024, down from £500, but had been sold for £299 on 29 days in May and June. The £500 price point had only been in place since October. Shipping costs and coupon requirements can further increase the final price, making a potential deal less appealing.

However, it's important to note that a historically low price doesn't guarantee a future drop. Prices for RAM, for example, are expected to remain high through 2030.

Fraudulent retailers can ruin the Black Friday experience by demanding payment through insecure methods or sending counterfeit goods. To avoid falling victim to such scams, consumers should purchase directly from the retailer's official website, check the full web address, seller reviews, and return policy, and consider using a credit card for easier dispute resolutions.

It's also advisable to avoid purchasing from sellers who require gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments. When shopping on Amazon, verify who is selling the item rather than just who is shipping it, as some products may be listed as "Ships from Amazon" but are actually sold by a different company.