Black Friday Alert: Half of South African shoppers report scam incidents

As Black Friday approaches, South African consumers are gearing up for one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. With retailers slashing prices and enticing shoppers with incredible discounts, the excitement is palpable. However, a new survey reveals a darker reality: 50% of respondents have been scammed at least once, raising serious concerns about safety in the rush to grab bargains.

The survey, a part of JustMoney’s extensive research titled Money & Me, highlights that many of the scams occur primarily through social media platforms. As consumers search for the best deals — often operating on tighter budgets — scammers are capitalising on their urgency and eagerness, according to Sarah Nicholson, Head of Customer Experience at JustMoney.

“As excitement builds and spending ramps up, criminals use the urgency of ‘limited-time offers’, cloned websites, phishing, and other ploys to catch people off guard,” Nicholson warns. “Black Friday can help you save, but only if you plan carefully and take action to stay ahead of criminals.”

Expert tips to safeguard your shopping

In light of these alarming statistics, JustMoney has released ten essential tips to help consumers navigate the Black Friday shopping landscape safely:

• Watch out for fake online stores: Scammers often set up bogus websites that mimic well-known retailers. Always check that the web address matches the genuine retailer’s and contains clear contact details.
• Be cautious with SMS or WhatsApp links: Avoid clicking on links received from messages. Instead, visit the retailer’s official site directly to verify promotions.
• Keep your software updated: Ensure that your browser and device operating systems are up to date to combat newly discovered vulnerabilities.
• Use strong passwords: Create unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication to add an extra security layer.
• Beware of urgency: Scammers often create fake scarcity. Real deals don’t vanish in an instant.
• Opt for shopping apps: Mobile apps often provide enhanced security features compared to web shopping.
• Use a credit card: Although they may incur extra costs, credit cards offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards.
• Separate email for shopping: Create a dedicated email account for Black Friday to reduce spam and phishing risks.
• Monitor bank notifications: Activate app notifications or SMS alerts to promptly identify suspicious transactions.
• Act quickly if scammed: If you suspect you’ve been scammed, freeze your card and report suspicious transactions immediately.

“Black Friday deals should never come at the expense of your financial health,” concludes Nicholson. “Remember, a deal isn’t a bargain if it leaves you scammed. Do your homework and stay alert; otherwise, those savings could quickly turn into a financial disaster.”

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