With November now in full swing, shoppers are preparing for Black Friday and the opportunity to find great deals, but scammers are gearing up too. Unfortunately, their scam tactics are becoming more sophisticated. Standard Bank encourages clients to take a few simple precautions to shop with confidence while keeping their money and personal information safe.
Standard Bank recorded a 6.6% year-on-year increase in transaction volumes during Black Friday in 2025. More striking, however, was the shift in where clients chose to shop. Online transaction volumes surged by 75%, while more clients opted to pay using digital wallets. The trend signals a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with South Africans increasingly embracing the convenience of online shopping and digital payments.
“There’s a clear shift in how South Africans shop Black Friday deals now. But as online shopping grows, so does the opportunity for fraudsters to target unsuspecting shoppers.,” says Dr Belinda Rathogwa, Head of Digital and E-commerce at Standard Bank.
With online deals running throughout November, shoppers have more opportunities to find a bargain, but so do fraudsters. Scammers may impersonate trusted brands, advertise fake deals or direct shoppers to fraudulent websites designed to steal their money or personal information. As Black Friday deals are made available via email, websites and social media feeds, fraudulent offers can more easily blend in with genuine promotions, making scams harder to spot. Fraudsters capitalize on the fear of missing out, ‘limited time’ offers and the pressure to act quickly before a deal disappears.
“The other contributing factor is that people don’t just shop on retailer websites anymore. Deals often appear on their social media feeds – a sponsored advert, an instant message or an online marketplace. As the number of shopping touchpoints grows, so do opportunities for scammers to promote fake deals or direct shoppers to fraudulent websites,” adds Rathogwa.
The most valuable Black Friday shopping habit
Black Friday creates a sense of urgency, with limited-time deals encouraging shoppers to act quickly. However, staying safe from fraud requires the opposite: slowing down, and checking the details before you buy. Rathogwa says the most effective habit shoppers can adopt to safeguard their money, and personal information is pausing before purchasing.
“Verify the retailer. Check website addresses carefully. Be cautious of links received via email, SMS or messaging apps. Question deals that seem dramatically cheaper than comparable offers elsewhere,” she adds.
Here are key takeaways to help consumers shop safely this Black Friday:
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true: If a deal looks unusually cheap or creates pressure to act immediately, take a step back and verify it first.
- Verify the website before you buy: Check the website address carefully for spelling mistakes and make sure you’re dealing with a reputable retailer.
- Use secure payment methods: Use your Virtual Card when paying online and never approve a payment you didn’t initiate.
- Take extra care on social media and online marketplaces: Check the seller’s profile, reviews and sales history before making a payment.
- Don’t click on links: Be cautious of deals sent via SMS, email or WhatsApp. Rather visit the retailer’s website directly.
Remember: Pause and verify before you buy. A few moments of caution can help protect your money and personal information this Black Friday.
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