9 Expert Tips to Avoid Black Friday Online Scams
As South African retailers and enterprises gear up for the annual Black Friday sales, consumers are preparing for a surge in online shopping. This highly anticipated event, typically around November 28th, sees online transaction volumes escalating significantly year after year. During Black Friday 2024, for instance, PayFast impressively recorded a peak of 2,185 transactions per minute. The sheer scale of spending is immense, with just three of South Africa’s major banks reporting over R30-billion transacted. However, this increased online activity also presents a fertile ground for cybercriminals. To help shoppers navigate this period securely and avoid disappointment, theft, and fraud, Paul Grapendaal, Head of Managed Security Services at Nclose, has shared 9 critical tips for a safe Black Friday experience.
Safeguarding Your Black Friday Bargains
Paul Grapendaal’s expert advice centers on proactive security measures and vigilant online behavior. Among his key recommendations are:
One of the foundational steps is to fortify your devices. Ensure all operating systems and applications on your desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices are consistently updated to their latest versions. Crucially, verify that robust antivirus software is installed and active, providing an essential layer of defence against malicious threats.
Resist the allure of unrealistic bargains. Grapendaal stresses the importance of not allowing the excitement of a potential deal to compromise your judgment. A key red flag is any discount that appears “too good to be true,” as such offers frequently indicate fraudulent schemes designed to lure unsuspecting shoppers.
Prioritise purchasing from established and reputable retailers, especially when considering significant investments or “big-ticket” items. Sticking to well-known brands and trusted platforms significantly reduces your risk exposure to fraudulent websites or compromised transaction systems.
For any online store you are unfamiliar with, thorough due diligence is imperative. Consult customer reviews on social media platforms to gauge public sentiment and legitimacy. Further verify their existence by looking up their registered business address and phone number, and cross-reference this information to confirm they are a genuine, operating entity. Scammers frequently employ fictitious business addresses and non-existent contact details to deceive unsuspecting shoppers.
As Black Friday approaches, the digital landscape becomes a prime target for opportunistic criminals. By following these expert guidelines from Nclose, South African consumers can significantly enhance their online safety. Remaining vigilant, verifying legitimacy, and ensuring your devices are secure are paramount to enjoying the incredible deals without falling victim to scams, ultimately ensuring a truly rewarding and secure shopping spree.
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