Online security must top your shopping list this Black Friday

According to data from just three banks, South Africans spent a staggering R30-billion on Black Friday in 2024. And now, with 2025’s sales fast approaching, millions will again click for bargains. But fraudsters know that Black Friday isn’t just about discounted deals. It also marks the start of the year-end ‘silly season’, when emergencies happen, more money is spent, and credit is used faster – and they’re ready to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. 

Staying secure online throughout the festive frenzy is just as important as snagging the best deal on Black Friday. Here are some practical ways to stay safe while you take advantage of bargains, along with a closer look at what to watch out for if you’re considering taking out a short-term loan to cover essential purchases or emergencies.

Secure shopping

Colin Campbell, Director of Marketing and Operations at digital financial services provider Finchoice, says that cybercriminals often pose as legitimate brands, creating fake websites designed to steal money or clone cards. “To ensure that you don’t get caught out, hover over URLs to ensure they match the merchant you intend to buy from. Make sure URLs start with ‘https’ rather than just ‘http’ – the ‘s’ signals a secure, encrypted site.”

Further, Campbell offers 4 easy tips to take with you into the peak shopping and festive season:

• Use a virtual card: This is a digital card that you transfer money into specifically for online payments, and is separate from your bank account so that your main account is protected if something goes wrong. Most banking apps enable you to set up a virtual card. 
• Buffer your first line of defence: Update your passwords, especially if they contain personal information like your name or birthdate. It’s always safest to use the strong passwords suggested by Google, and to use different passwords for each site and app.
• Verify offers: If a deal pressures you to act fast, looks too good to be true, or comes from an unfamiliar merchant, it’s time to do some research. Verify the URL, look for online reviews, contact the merchant directly through official channels, and compare prices elsewhere. 
• Use trusted payment platforms: Providers like PayJustNow allow transactions with vetted merchants and keep your financial information secure so that you don’t need to enter your card details on unfamiliar websites. PayJustNow also allows you to split payments over three interest-free instalments, making it a clever way to budget the more expensive items on your shopping list this season.

Smart borrowing

If you’re considering taking out a short-term loan, treat borrowing with the same care as online shopping. Campbell says: “Always check whether a lender is an authorised Financial Services Provider with an FSP number. And, if a lender doesn’t have an official app or secure website, chances are your personal and banking information aren’t being properly protected.”

He encourages consumers to stick to official apps for shopping and applying for loans. “Both Finchoice and PayJustNow’s apps protect your data and ensure you’re dealing with vetted providers.”

Campbell also highlights monitoring transactions as a critical safety step: “Turn on app push notifications or enable SMS alerts so that you can track every transaction in real time. You’ll spot any suspicious activity immediately and can act before a small problem becomes a big one.”

He adds that their organisation builds in multiple other safety measures, including pre-application verification, responsible lending to avoid over-indebtedness, and a ‘low and grow’ approach that starts with a modest credit limit and increases it responsibly as good repayment behaviour proves consistent.

“With online shopping volumes rising and holiday deals making purchases more attractive, security can’t take a back seat. While festive season spending can be fun, it’s also a time when caution pays off. Spending a few extra minutes checking a link, resetting a password, or using a trusted app can protect your finances and your peace of mind. It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared,” ends Campbell.