Greater Manchester Police officers have deployed across communities this week with a stark warning: stop and think before you click “buy” on Black Friday deals, as online shopping fraud continues to surge.

Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit explained that criminals are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis and Christmas spending pressures to dupe bargain-hunters. “People are looking to try and get the most from their money and save where they can and steal a deal this Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” she said. “Criminals will use this as an opportunity to exploit people and dupe them into parting with their hard-earned cash.”

The force’s Economic Crime Unit has set up community crime prevention stalls and delivered awareness sessions ahead of the shopping bonanza, aiming to protect both new shoppers and those who have already fallen victim. The most common scams include social media marketplace purchases where sellers demand upfront payment but deliver empty boxes, fake goods, or nothing at all—particularly high-value items like trainers and handbags advertised on Instagram.

Shannon advised shoppers to verify sellers and use credit cards for online purchases, which offer greater protection. While victims aged 30-40 are most frequently targeted, she emphasized that “this crime type can affect anyone of any age.” Suspected fraud should be reported to GMP on 101 or through Action Fraud.

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