Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, but it is also peak season for scammers.
According to Kaspersky’s 2025 online shopping threat report, nearly 6.4 million phishing attacks targeted online shoppers between January and October 2025.
Standard Bank has also warned that delivery apps, social media habits, and “too good to be true” offers are being weaponised to steal card details.
For the full guide on the official sale dates for Takealot, Makro and Game, read our confirmed retailer dates article.
Fake Black Friday discounts: How to check if a deal is real
Retailers often inflate prices in October to make November discounts look bigger.
Before you click “buy,” use these tools to verify the savings:
- Check the 90-day price history: Use PriceCheck or Google Shopping to see what the item cost in September. If the “sale” price is higher than the September price, it is not a deal.
- Ignore “Up to 70% off”: The biggest discount is usually on one item you do not want. The real deals are 10-20% off popular items.
- Beware of “Only 3 left” timers: Many are fake urgency triggers designed to make you panic-buy.
Common Black Friday scams to watch out for
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick South African shoppers. Here are the most common red flags:
1. Fake retail sites and copycat websites
Scammers build lookalike online stores or run social media ads offering popular electronics, appliances, or luxury goods at massive, unbelievable discounts.
The goods never arrive, and your card details are stolen.
2. Delivery and customs phishing
You receive an SMS, WhatsApp, or email claiming a parcel is delayed or that you need to pay a small customs or re-delivery fee.
These are designed to steal your banking details.
3. Fake giveaways and vouchers
Social media competitions or voucher offers require you to fill in personal details, pay an “admin fee,” or provide your one-time PIN (OTP) to claim a prize.
4. AI deception
Scammers now use AI tools to write polished, error-free messages and emails that mimic trusted brands. The old red flag of bad spelling is no longer reliable.
Golden rules to keep your money safe
Track orders only on official sites: Never click links inside delivery SMSes or WhatsApp messages; go directly to the retailer’s official app or website.
Never share sensitive codes: Genuine brands, banks, and couriers will never ask for your banking PIN, password, or OTP.
Use credit or virtual cards: Pay with a credit card or a temporary virtual card (via your banking app) rather than a direct debit card, as they offer much stronger fraud dispute and chargeback protections.
Watch out for hidden costs on international platforms
If you are shopping on international platforms like Temu, remember that VAT and import duties are now included at checkout. Read our full Temu VAT and import duties explainer so you know the final price before you pay.
Where to complain if a Black Friday deal goes wrong
If you have a problem with a credit agreement or a financial product (such as a “Buy Now Pay Later” deal), you can lodge a free complaint with the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO).
For a complete list of the top 10 searched products and how to protect your wallet, visit our Black Friday 2026 hub.
This content is for informational purposes and intended for individuals 18 years and older.
