Black Friday space deals 2026

Police in the Northern Cape have cautioned shoppers to exercise caution with their cash and bank information during Black Friday shopping. Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, a police spokesperson, advised people to stay vigilant as stores become crowded. The South African Police Service (SAPS) urged shoppers to remain cautious due to the increased retail activity.

Ehlers explained that the heightened movement of people in shopping centers, retail outlets, and ATMs could create opportunities for criminals to target unsuspecting shoppers.

To stay safe at ATMs, Ehlers recommended having bank cards ready and avoiding ATMs with suspicious individuals around. She emphasized the importance of shielding the keypad when entering a PIN, even when alone. Ehlers cautioned against accepting assistance from strangers at ATMs and advised seeking help from authorized bank personnel instead.

She also suggested avoiding large cash withdrawals and staying away from secluded ATMs. For elderly or vulnerable individuals, Ehlers suggested going with someone and using ATMs located inside shopping centers or supermarkets, where security is more visible.

When shopping online, Ehlers cautioned that online shopping also has its own risks. She advised using reputable and secure websites, verifying the authenticity of online retailers and sellers, and never sharing banking details, PINs, or passwords with anyone. Ehlers warned that people should be cautious of unrealistic deals, as these could be fraudulent.

She urged communities to help fight crime during the festive season by remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and working closely with law enforcement agencies.