Don't fall for it! SAPS issues Black Friday warning over ATM scams and fake deals

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned shoppers against falling for scams during the upcoming Black Friday sales, urging them to stay alert for potential fraudsters targeting people at shopping centers, ATMs, and online platforms. Northern Cape police advised that the surge in shopping activity could provide criminals with chances to defraud unsuspecting consumers, especially those with cash or making online purchases.

Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, SAPS spokesperson, urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their valuables during the busy shopping season. She cautioned that crowded shopping areas and heightened ATM activity could expose consumers to criminal acts.

Ehlers stressed that shoppers should be cautious when withdrawing money, particularly at ATMs located in secluded areas or lacking adequate security. She advised consumers to be aware of their surroundings, refrain from accepting help from strangers, and refrain from disclosing personal identification numbers (PINs).

Should assistance be required, Ehlers suggested seeking help from authorized bank personnel. She also advised shoppers to shield ATM keypads when entering their PINs, avoid withdrawing large sums of cash, and securely store their money following transactions.

Ehlers further cautioned consumers to utilize ATMs situated inside shopping centers or supermarkets, where security is typically more visible. She urged shoppers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to consider being accompanied when withdrawing money.

With Black Friday shopping increasingly shifting to online platforms, SAPS cautioned consumers against fraudulent websites, dubious sellers, and offers designed to steal personal banking information. Ehlers warned that criminals could manipulate shoppers seeking discounted products by advertising misleading deals.

As Black Friday shopping extends to the online realm, Ehlers cautioned the public to exercise extreme caution when making purchases online. She advised consumers to use reputable and secure websites, verify the authenticity of online retailers and sellers, and never divulge their banking details, PINs, or passwords to anyone. Ehlers also cautioned consumers against offers that appear excessively discounted, as they could be fraudulent.