Standard Bank warns shoppers of Black Friday online scams
Digital transaction volumes jumped by 75% last Black Friday — and fraudsters are following the money with fake deals on social media and messaging apps.
Standard Bank has warned consumers to be alert to online shopping scams ahead of Black Friday (November 27), as fraudsters increasingly use fake advertisements, websites and social media promotions to steal money and personal information.
According to Bloemfontein Courant, the bank recorded a 75% year-on-year increase in online transaction volumes during Black Friday in 2025, while overall transaction volumes increased by 6.6%.
The growing popularity of digital shopping and payments has also created more opportunities for scammers to target consumers through fake advertisements, social media posts, messages and fraudulent websites.
Dr Belinda Rathogwa, the head of digital and e-commerce at Standard Bank, said: “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.”
She said shoppers are increasingly exposed to deals through different platforms, including sponsored advertisements, instant messages and online marketplaces.
“As the number of shopping touchpoints grows, so do opportunities for scammers to promote fake deals or direct shoppers to fraudulent websites,” Rathogwa added.
Safe shopping tips
She advised consumers to slow down and verify offers before making payments, particularly when deals create pressure to buy immediately.
“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 said.
Consumers are also encouraged to use secure payment methods, including virtual cards, check sellers’ profiles and reviews on online marketplaces, and avoid approving payments they did not initiate.
Shoppers should visit retailers’ official websites directly rather than following links received through email, SMS or WhatsApp.
Standard Bank urges consumers to remain cautious throughout November, when Black Friday promotions and online deals are expected to increase.
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Read original story on www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
