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Don’t Get Played: How to Spot and Avoid Black Friday Scams in South Africa
As South Africans gear up for the Black Friday sales, a different kind of shopper is also preparingthe modern-day scammer, armed with sophisticated tools designed to empty your wallet without you ever receiving a product. This year, the threat is more advanced than ever, moving beyond clumsy emails to AI-powered deceptions that can be frighteningly convincing.
The urgency and hype of the shopping frenzy create the perfect hunting ground for fraudsters. With a recent JustMoney survey revealing that 50% of South Africans have been scammed at least once, knowing how to defend yourself is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The New Scam Arsenal: What You’re Up Against
Gone are the days when you could spot a scam by its poor spelling. Cybercriminals have upped their game, employing tactics that prey on our trust in familiar brands and platforms.
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Fake Online Stores: Scammers create near-perfect copies of legitimate retailer websites, cloning logos, layouts, and product images. The trick is in the detailsa URL with a single replaced letter (e.g., “takelot.com” instead of “takealot.com“) is often the only clue. You make a payment, and the store vanishes into thin air.
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Phishing Gets a High-Tech Upgrade (“Smishing” & “Quishing”): Scammers now use SMS, WhatsApp, and even QR codes. You might receive a text pretending to be from a courier company about a delivery, or scan a QR code that installs malware to steal your banking details.
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Social Media Deception: Fake ads on Facebook and Instagram, sometimes promoted by unverified “influencers,” lure you in with unbelievable deals. Clicking through can lead to a data trap. With AI, these scams can now include convincingly generated videos or voice notes, making them harder to distinguish from the real thing.
Your Defence Plan: How to Shop Smart and Stay Safe
To navigate the sales without falling victim, you need a strategy. Here’s your essential checklist:
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Go Direct, Never Click: If you see a deal on social media or in a message, do not click the link. Instead, open your browser and type the retailer’s official website address manually. This simple step bypasses most malicious links.
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Become a URL Detective: Before entering any payment details, double-check the website’s address in the search bar. Look carefully for subtle misspellings or odd characters.
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Update Everything: Ensure your phone’s operating system, web browser, and apps are updated. These updates often include critical security patches that protect you from malware.
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Choose Your Payment Method Wisely: Use a credit card with fraud protection or a reputable payment platform like PayPal. These services often offer dispute resolution. Avoid making direct EFTs to unknown sellers. Many South African banks now offer virtual cards for online shopping, which add an extra layer of security.
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Embrace Healthy Skepticism: If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Use price-tracking tools or compare the offer with other reputable sites. A R15,000 TV selling for R3,000 isn’t a bargain; it’s a scam.
This Black Friday, let the scammers be the ones who come away empty-handed. By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can secure the real deals and protect your hard-earned money.
{Source: IOL}
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