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Black Friday can be a great time to find deals on everything from tech to fashion, but it’s also prime time for scammers who prey on the excitement around sales. With fraudulent websites, phishing scams, and fake ads becoming more sophisticated, online shoppers need to be extra vigilant. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can shop safely, avoid scams, and protect their personal information this Black Friday.
Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Scammers know that shoppers are on the lookout for bargains, which is why they create fake ads with unbelievably low prices on popular items. These “too good to be true” deals are often traps to lure you into a fraudulent transaction.
What to Do:
Research the Retailer: If you come across a deal from an unfamiliar store, do a quick online search. Check for reviews, verify the store’s contact information, and read others’ experiences.
Compare Prices: If the price seems drastically lower than on other websites, be cautious. Scammers rely on the excitement of deep discounts to trick people, so if it seems unrealistic, it probably is.
Shop on Trusted Websites Only
Not all websites are legitimate, and scammers are increasingly skilled at creating websites that look real. Lookalike URLs and fake brand sites are common scams during Black Friday.
What to Do:
Verify URLs: Double-check the website address to ensure it’s correct. Some fake websites may slightly alter a brand name, like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com.”
Use Official Apps or Websites: Stick to the official websites or apps of well-known retailers rather than third-party sites.
Look for HTTPS Security: Ensure the website starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon in the address bar. This signals a secure connection, reducing the risk of data theft.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Fraudsters often ask for direct bank transfers, cash payments, or payments through money wiring services, which are harder to trace or reverse. For safer transactions, use secure payment options.
What to Do:
Use Credit Cards or Trusted Payment Platforms: Credit cards and platforms like PayPal offer better consumer protection in case of fraud than debit cards or bank transfers.
Avoid EFT Transfers to Unverified Retailers: Scammers may ask you to pay via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), which makes it harder to reverse transactions if something goes wrong.
Consider Virtual Credit Cards: Some banks allow you to generate a temporary card number for online transactions, adding an extra layer of security.
Beware of Phishing Emails and Texts
Phishing is one of the most common scams during the Black Friday season. You may receive emails or text messages that look like they’re from reputable stores, offering discounts or asking for verification of recent purchases. Often, these messages contain links to fake websites designed to steal your information.
What to Do:
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: If you get an email or text with a link, don’t click on it directly. Instead, go to the retailer’s official website to confirm any offers or issues.
Check Sender Details Carefully: Fake emails may have odd email addresses or contain grammatical errors, which are red flags.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Legitimate companies won’t ask you to verify sensitive information like passwords, ID numbers, or bank details over email.
Verify Store Policies on Returns and Refunds
One common Black Friday scam involves fake websites that take your payment but don’t deliver the product. When you try to get a refund, you find out the business doesn’t exist, or their customer service is unreachable.
What to Do:
Check for Clear Return and Refund Policies: Legitimate websites usually have well-defined policies for returns and refunds. If these are missing or unclear, it could be a sign of a fake site.
Read Reviews from Previous Shoppers: Look for customer reviews and ratings on reputable sites like Google Reviews to verify the store’s reputation.
Be Cautious with Social Media Ads and Deals
Social media ads for Black Friday sales are everywhere, but not all of them are safe. Some ads lead to fake websites that mimic popular retailers.
What to Do:
Verify the Retailer’s Social Media Account: Scammers often set up fake accounts that look very similar to legitimate ones. Check for verification badges on the accounts and read through the comments on their posts for additional credibility.
Avoid Buying Directly from Ads: Instead of clicking through an ad, visit the retailer’s official website directly to verify the deal.
Protect Your Personal Information
Identity theft is a serious risk during Black Friday, especially if scammers manage to steal your personal information through a fake website or phishing scam.
What to Do:
Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Secure your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on shopping platforms to add an extra layer of protection.
Don’t Overshare Information: Some fake websites might ask for excessive information, like your ID number or bank details, which are unnecessary for most purchases. Only provide the information that’s required to make a transaction.
Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi: If you’re shopping from a public location, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help keep your data secure.
Monitor Your Bank Statements
Even with all precautions, it’s essential to monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly to catch any unauthorized transactions early.
What to Do:
Set Up Transaction Alerts: Most banks offer SMS or email alerts for every transaction, so you can immediately spot any unusual activity.
Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you notice unauthorized charges, contact your bank or credit card provider right away. In some cases, they can reverse fraudulent transactions.
Consider Shopping with Reputable Local Retailers
Shopping from local South African retailers can reduce the risk of fraud, as many international scams target South African shoppers specifically. Trusted local stores offer consumer protection and verified return policies, making your purchase safer.
What to Do:
Shop Locally When Possible: Supporting South African businesses can reduce risks associated with overseas transactions and help grow the local economy.
Look for Verified Local Online Stores: Local online platforms often display a Verified Seller badge or reviews from South African customers, making it easier to trust your purchase.
Stay Safe and Shop Smart This Black Friday
With careful planning and a bit of skepticism, you can enjoy Black Friday without falling for scams. Always double-check deals that seem too good to be true, avoid sharing unnecessary personal details, and stick to known, trusted retailers. By following these tips, you can take advantage of the real deals this Black Friday while protecting yourself from fraud.
Happy shopping, and stay safe!
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