The Black Friday shopping season is already upon us, and many people are jumping in early to get their gifts ready for the holiday season. In fact, Deloitte retail forecasts predict that online shopping will increase by 2.3% to 3.3% over last year, with sales this holiday season expected to reach up to $1.59 trillion. The bad news - as ever - is that scammers are trying to cash in, especially when buying online.

According to the BBB Scam Tracker, online fraud accounted for 41% of all reported fraud in 2023. This ongoing problem is one we have been watching closely. That same year we reported NordVPN figures showing that 34 million Americans will be scammed in 2022, with 40% of those shoppers reporting being scammed online.

The fear of being scammed, especially with large purchases like appliances and televisions, is real, but not something to worry about if you follow a few key steps to stay safe.

There are plenty of deals to be had on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and as one of Tom's Guide's resident homes writers, I am always on the lookout for discounts on appliances like the best dishwasher or the best dehumidifier. These big-ticket items are usually heavily discounted, but they can also be prime targets for scammers.

Chris Michael, managing director of UK-based dehumidifier brand Meaco, gave expert tips to always keep in mind when browsing these deals.

Once you have decided on the products you want to buy, Michael suggests checking the supplier's service policy. If they are based in the UK, “check their return policy and make sure they are based in the UK to avoid scams from overseas; under the Consumer Rights Act of 2015, you are entitled to a refund at no additional cost within 14 days of the return.”

Refund policies may vary in the U.S., and for this reason the Federal Trade Commission recommends checking the return policy before making an online purchase.

It is also worth choosing a well-known brand or supplier that you trust, even if it costs a little more. Michael also cautions to beware of products that are not what they appear to be. [For example,] websites that appear to stock Meaco products regularly appear, take customers' money, and disappear with no way to trace them,” he says.

Tom's Guide features great deals on consumer electronics from Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and others.

Another safe bet is to check trusted online review sites; Tom's Guide is clearly the first place to visit, as it tests products like dehumidifiers and vacuum cleaners before you buy them.

Michael supports this idea of doing research on independent review sites like ours.

“Trustpilot can provide valuable insight into the reputation of a brand or seller. The platform allows customers to share their experiences with different products and services,” says Michael.

For example, here is a recent deal I found for a Honeywell dehumidifier on Amazon.

A balanced view of the deal will also help you avoid scammers; if the price seems too good to be true at one place, make sure it is consistent at other retailers.

Tom'sGuide offers price checks on the deals it recommends. You can also use sites like CamelCamelCamelCamel to check if a bargain is truly legitimate. You can also use sites like CamelCamelCamelCamel.

Even if you find a product on Amazon that looks really good, it could be from a shady third-party seller or the product could be a reproduction. A quick check to see if the same product is available at Best Buy or Home Depot could save you from being duped.

“The availability of a product from several reputable retailers is also a good indicator of its quality,” says Michael.

Nothing can be relied upon more than friends and family for personal experience and recommendations.

If you're thinking about buying a new dishwasher or fryer, it's worth asking if anyone in your immediate network has the same brand.

Michael says, “If they've had a good experience with the dehumidifier brand, chances are you will too.”