{
  "id": 19135990,
  "title": "Don't let scammers turn your bargain into an expensive mistake this Black Friday",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/dont-let-scammers-turn-your-bargain-into-an-expensive-mistake-this",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T10:30:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/black-friday/2026-11-09-dont-let-scammers-turn-your-bargain-into-an-expensive-mistake-this-black-friday/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Black Friday brings South Africans the chance to snag bargains on electronics, household goods, clothing and essentials. However, scammers also aim to profit from the shopping frenzy. With promotions spreading via retailer sites, social media, emails and messaging apps, vigilance is crucial when buying. Fraudsters use advanced tactics such as fake ads, phony websites and impersonation to make deceitful offers seem genuine. Some rush shoppers with limited-time deals and unbeatable discounts, creating a fear of missing out. Standard Bank noted a 6.6% year-on-year increase in transaction volumes during last year's Black Friday, with online payments jumping 75%. This signals a shift in how South Africans shop, with more using online platforms and digital wallets. Dr Belinda Rathogwa, Standard Bank's Digital and E-commerce Head, warns that shopping now extends beyond renowned retailer websites, as consumers discover deals through social media, direct messages and online marketplaces. This expands possibilities for scammers to advertise fake offers or misdirect shoppers to fraudulent sites. The biggest Black Friday trap is the rush to act quickly. Claims of limited stock, countdown timers and exclusive discounts can prompt hasty purchases without verification. Rathogwa advises checking the retailer, scrutinizing website URLs, being wary of email, SMS or messaging links, and questioning steep discounts. An unusually cheap gadget may be a scam warning sign. Compare prices across trusted retailers before buying. Double-check website addresses for typos, unusual domain names or slight changes to familiar names. Instead of clicking on ads or message links, type the retailer's official URL into your browser. Use secure payment methods, such as virtual cards if your bank offers them. Never approve an uninitiated payment or banking notification. Just because a sponsored ad or social media promotion looks attractive doesn't mean the seller is trustworthy. Verify the seller's profile, customer reviews and transaction history before paying. Scammers often use phrases like \"last chance,\" \"limited stock\" or \"today only\" to pressure buyers. Take time to investigate the offer. A genuine bargain shouldn't compromise your financial security. While Black Friday can provide real savings, don't let discount excitement override basic security measures. Verify the seller and the offer before handing over money or personal information, whether through a retailer's site, social media promotion or online marketplace. A brief check could mean the difference between a good deal and a scam.",
  "summary": "If it looks too good to be true, it could just be. Follow these tips to make sure you keep your hard-earned cash, rather than getting caught in a scam.",
  "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."
}