Scammers are hunting for victims this Black Friday: What to watch out for and how to protect yourself

South Africans are being advised to remain vigilant against online shopping scams as cybercriminals gear up for the Black Friday sales frenzy. Black Friday, taking place on November 27th, is a prime shopping period marked by discounted deals and special offers both online and in physical stores. However, it also presents a prime opportunity for criminals seeking to exploit unsuspecting shoppers in pursuit of quick financial gains.

Lebogang Mfusi, an Underwriter specializing in Cyber risks at iTOO Special Risks, explains that the surge in online shopping activity during Black Friday creates ample opportunities for scammers to employ a range of tactics. These include creating fake websites, sending phishing messages, and offering fraudulent deals in an attempt to lure consumers into disclosing sensitive personal and banking information.

Mfusi notes that the line between genuine and fraudulent promotions can be blurred, with scammers using convincing language and attractive discounts to entice shoppers into hasty decisions. He warns that fake promotions are becoming increasingly hard to distinguish from legitimate marketing campaigns, employing phrases like "limited stock" and "act now" to coerce consumers into acting swiftly without proper verification.

Cybercriminals utilize various channels to disseminate their deception, including emails, SMS messages, social media advertisements, and WhatsApp communications. The goal is to entice shoppers to click on malicious links or visit fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking details. The consequences of such cybercrimes extend far beyond mere financial loss; victims may suffer stress, loss of privacy, and difficulties accessing their accounts as a result.

To protect themselves from falling victim to these scams, Mfusi recommends several precautions for shoppers. These include using strong, unique passwords for each account, enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible, and ensuring that all devices and software are up to date with the latest security patches. Should consumers suspect they have been targeted by a scam, Mfusi emphasizes the importance of acting quickly.

This includes contacting their bank or relevant financial institution regarding any compromised payment or banking information, changing affected passwords, securing connected accounts, and reporting suspected fraudulent activity without delay.