As Black Friday rolls around, the Better Business Bureau is warning shoppers about possible scams.

“Black Friday is a great opportunity to score deals, but it’s also a time to stay vigilant and shop smart,” said Carl Bates, CEO of BBB Central and South Alabama. “Scammers thrive on chaos, but with preparation and caution, consumers can protect themselves and their wallets.”

With more online deals, scammers are increasingly using fake websites, phishing emails, counterfeit products, and ‘too-good-to-be-true deals’ to steal personal and financial information.

READ MORE: Scam warning: Here’s the latest way thieves are trying to separate you from your money

Here are some tips for safe holiday shopping, according to BBB:

● Shop directly on trusted websites and verify URLs include “HTTPS.”

● Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or ads.

● Compare prices across multiple retailers to spot unusually low prices.

● Read product reviews before buying.

● Research businesses on BBB.org to verify legitimacy.

● Be cautious of unsolicited messages. Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or texts.

● Use credit cards. They offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

● Plan ahead. Map out your shopping route or create a strategy for online deals.

When shopping in-store:

● Make a list of items to avoid impulse buys and set a budget to prevent overspending.

● Read the fine print on deals to ensure they apply to your desired items.

● Watch out for “doorbuster” deals that may have limited quantities or restrictive terms.

● Understand return and warranty details before buying.

● Request gift receipts for easy exchanges, especially for gifts.