{
  "id": 18928967,
  "title": "Black Friday 2026: Online shopping scams to watch out for before chasing a bargain",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/black-friday-2026-online-shopping-scams-to-watch-out-for-before",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T11:48:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/black-friday/2026-11-08-black-friday-2026-online-shopping-scams-to-watch-out-for-before-chasing-a-bargain/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Black Friday brings shoppers the chance to hunt for discounts, but vigilance is crucial to avoid falling victim to online scams. Suspiciously low prices on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, along with fake payment confirmations and fraudulent links, can lead to financial losses and personal safety risks. South African police have warned consumers about scams on online marketplaces, including Facebook Marketplace, where criminals tempt buyers and sellers with attractive listings and convincing stories. Buyers can lose money after depositing or paying upfront for goods that never arrive, while sellers risk handing over products after receiving fake proof of payment. Safety concerns also exist, as some buyers may be lured to isolated locations for robbery. To stay safe this Black Friday, shoppers should be aware of warning signs and take necessary precautions. Unusually low prices, especially on Facebook Marketplace, warrant a closer look. Scammers may use low prices to create a sense of urgency, pressuring buyers to pay deposits before verifying the product or seller. Always compare prices with reputable retailers and other sellers before making a purchase. Avoid paying deposits or full amounts without checking that the goods exist and the seller is legitimate. If possible, inspect the product before paying, particularly for expensive items. Be cautious of trusting a convincing social media profile; Facebook allows viewing marketplace profiles, but ratings do not guarantee legitimacy. Sellers should also be alert. Buyers may send fake proof of payment via screenshot, SMS, or message. Sellers should always verify their own bank account to confirm payment before releasing goods. Never rely solely on a screenshot, SMS notification, or message claiming payment has been made. If funds are not reflected in your account, do not release the goods. Beware of links, QR codes, or requests for personal or banking information under the guise of completing a transaction. Never share your banking details with someone claiming to facilitate an online sale. If the payment process seems unusual or overly complicated, stop and verify it independently. Sellers should also be wary of buyers offering more than the advertised price and demanding a refund. Before returning any money, independently verify that the original payment has cleared. Be cautious of buyers introducing unfamiliar couriers or payment services into a straightforward transaction. Avoid pressure from eager buyers to override basic payment checks. When selling large household items, such as furniture or appliances, collections can become complicated. Allow strangers into your home or share your address without taking precautions. Be cautious of buyers insisting on unusual collection arrangements or suggesting meeting in unfamiliar areas. If possible, arrange collections in a safe, public location, such as a police station, and inform someone you trust about your whereabouts. If the buyer or seller suddenly changes the agreed meeting point to an isolated location, reconsider the transaction. Before completing an online transaction, step back if the advertised price is dramatically lower than the usual market price, you're pressured into immediate payment, a seller demands a deposit before inspection, a seller refuses reasonable verification, a buyer sends only a screenshot as payment proof, someone requests your banking details, a buyer offers to overpay and asks you to refund the difference, or an unfamiliar courier or third party is introduced. If meeting in person, choose a busy, familiar location or a police station as a meeting point. Always inform someone you trust about your plans and consider taking someone with you.",
  "summary": "Black Friday shoppers are warned about fake deals, fraudulent payments and online marketplace scams. Here are the red flags to watch for.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}