The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with the Guilford County Information Technology Department to protect you from holiday scams. Every year, countless people fall victim to fraud, and we’re here to help you stay informed and vigilant.

5 Black Friday Scams

5 Black Friday Scams

82 percent of U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of the fraud that is rampant during the holidays. Older adults are particularly vulnerable of becoming victims of online fraud, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year.

Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims have missed jury duty, have an active warrant, or need to pay a fine to avoid arrest. They use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, attempting to trick victims into complying.

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As the holiday season approaches, be cautious of scams targeting your generosity. Fake donation drives and fake food drives often appear as text messages or emails urging you to "Donate here!" These links lead to fraudulent sites designed to steal your money.

To protect yourself:

  • Verify the Organization: Check the charity's official website or contact them directly.
  • Avoid Clicking Links: Manually enter the charity's URL in your browser.
  • Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of pressure tactics or requests for gift cards or wire transfers.

With Black Friday near, scammers are sending fake shipping alerts. If you get a text about an order you didn’t make, be cautious! These messages often include fraudulent tracking links.

Protect Yourself:

  • Verify the Source: Check the sender’s info.
  • Avoid Clicking Links: Don’t click on unknown links.
  • Review Orders: If the shipment is unfamiliar, it’s likely a scam.

With Black Friday just around the corner, everyone loves a bargain. But beware—some flash sales or exclusive VIP access offers might be too good to be true. Scammers often use enticing ads on social media or emails to lead you to fake websites, where they can steal your payment details.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Research the Retailer: Make sure the retailer is reputable by checking reviews and the official website.
  • Look for Secure Sites: Ensure the website URL begins with "https://" and has a padlock symbol.
  • Be Cautious of Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use countdown timers to rush you into making a purchase.

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As we gear up for Black Friday, be aware of scammers who hijack comment sections and impersonate brands with fake giveaway posts. These scams often promise enticing prizes like gift cards, tech gadgets, or exclusive discounts, but their true intent is to trick you into providing personal information or payment details.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Verify the Account: Check if the brand’s account is verified with a blue checkmark or verified badge. Fake accounts often mimic real ones with slight variations in the name or handle.
  • Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Offers: If the giveaway seems too good to be true, it probably is. Brands rarely give away high-value items without conditions.
  • Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never provide sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details in comments or private messages.
  • Report Suspicious Posts: If you suspect a giveaway is a scam, report it to the social media platform and the brand being impersonated.

Report A Scam

Report scam attempts to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office 336-641-3694, your local law enforcement, or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Register Your Camera

The GCSO is proud to partner with Fusus to enhance public safety through a voluntary camera registry program. By letting us know you have a camera, you’re helping law enforcement solve crimes faster, improve emergency response, and build a safer community.

Tips To Avoid Scams

  • Do not send money to anyone claiming to be from the GCSO
  • Verify any claims by calling the GCSO directly at 336-641-3694.
  • Report scam attempts with the GCSO or your local law enforcement agency.
  • Ignore unknown numbers - don't answer or return calls from numbers you do not recognize.
  • If you answer a suspicious call, hang up immediately without engaging.
  • Never press buttons or provide personal information to unsolicited callers.

Guilford County and the Sheriff's Office Will Never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment over the phone.
  • Ask for personal or financial information to verify your identity.
  • Request credit or debit card numbers over the phone or via email.
  • Ask that you meet someone in person to make a payment away from the Sheriff’s Office.
  • Require payment via cash, credit/debit card, gift card/pre-paid card, PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, Apple Pay, Bitcoin, etc.
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