Black Friday starts tomorrow, Friday, 29 November 2024, and shoppers in Fochville are already gearing up for one of the busiest and most exciting retail events of the year. For many, it’s a chance to grab big discounts on everything from electronics to fashion. But with the excitement comes the risk of online scams and fraud. Local residents and experts share how they’re preparing for Black Friday 2024 and offer essential tips on staying safe.

Elwira Spandiel, a local resident, shared her thoughts: “Black Friday has become an annual tradition for me. I always plan ahead and know exactly what I want to buy before the rush begins. Last year, I had a great experience, but I make sure to check the security of websites I shop on to avoid any surprises.”

Gregory Khanzte, another Fochville local, echoed the sentiment: “I’ve learned the hard way to be cautious, especially when shopping online. I always make sure the website is secure—look for ‘https://’ in the URL before entering my card details. If something looks too good to be true, I stay away from it.”

Elise Frank, a busy mom, shared her approach: “I tend to stick to trusted retailers. I’ll be shopping mainly in-store this year, but I’ll also keep an eye out for any online promotions. I use a virtual credit card to keep my payment details safe. It’s an easy way to make sure my card info isn’t exposed.”

Lydia Johnson, a tech-savvy resident, reminded everyone to protect their personal details: “I use strong, unique passwords for each online account. I also set up alerts for all my transactions so I can track any suspicious activity in real time. Staying vigilant is key to making sure my shopping experience is both safe and enjoyable.”

As Black Friday 2024 approaches, experts from RSM Global and Discovery Bank have shared essential tips to ensure shoppers are prepared.

According to RSM Global, one of the most important steps to staying safe is to avoid suspicious links. “Never click on links from unknown sources,” the report advises. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the URL into your browser. Additionally, limit the information you share online, only providing the basic details needed to make a purchase.

Grammar checks are also a red flag. Scammers often use translation software, which can lead to awkward phrasing and errors in emails or websites. If you spot such errors, proceed with caution.

When making online banking transactions, ensure the website is secure, and always use trusted payment gateways. For added protection, experts recommend using virtual credit/debit cards, which are temporary and offer an extra layer of security.

Discovery Bank also emphasizes staying vigilant with promotional emails. “Never open attachments or click on unfamiliar links,” they warn. They also recommend accessing retailer websites directly rather than through email links, as phishing scams are often disguised as legitimate offers.

The bank advises against using public Wi-Fi when shopping online, as unsecured networks can expose your personal information. Make sure any online payment site has a secure connection marked by ‘https://’, and never share sensitive details like your PIN or card information with anyone. Discovery Bank also offers several security features like spending alerts and transaction notifications, which help track unusual activity in real time.

For Lydia Johnson, tracking her spending is essential during such a hectic time of year. “I’ve set alerts on my banking app to notify me every time I make a purchase. This way, I can monitor my budget and be aware of any unexpected charges.”