Safety Tips for Black Friday

Safety Tips for Black Friday

Black Friday, the annual shopping extravaganza, is just around the corner, offering incredible deals that can be too good to resist. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to stay vigilant to protect yourself from potential scams and fraud.

As specialists in Cyber Insurance, we cannot express the importance of a secure shopping experience enough. As a result, we have compiled essential safety tips tailored for the South African environment.

1. Beware of Fake Websites and Malicious Apps:

Scammers often create counterfeit websites or malicious apps that mimic legitimate retailers. Recently, scammers posed as a well-known retail brand under various URLs, such as wolworthza.com. However, consumers did not take notice of the different URL and fell victim to the scam.

Before making any purchases, ensure your visit the original verified website that has a secure connection (look for "https://" in the URL) and download apps only from official app stores.

2. Guard Against Stolen Device Fraud and Card Skimming:

Keep a close eye on your devices and credit/debit cards during Black Friday shopping. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions, as it can be a breeding ground for hackers. Additionally, check ATMs and card readers for any unusual attachments that could indicate card skimming devices.

3. Protect Yourself from Account Takeover:

Scammers may attempt to gain access to your accounts by tricking you into revealing sensitive information. Be wary of phishing emails or messages asking for account numbers, passwords, or credit card details. Legitimate businesses will never request such information via email or messages.

4. Verify the Legitimacy of Deals:

Before clicking on enticing offers, take the time to verify the legitimacy of the deal and the credibility of the seller. Read customer reviews on other platforms, check the ratings, and ensure the website or retailer is reputable.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

Strengthen the security of your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication where available. This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring you to provide a secondary verification method beyond your password.

6. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:

Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements and transaction history in the days following Black Friday. Report any unauthorised transactions immediately to your financial institution. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of minimising any potential losses.

7. Be Cautious with Email Promotions:

While many legitimate retailers send promotional emails during Black Friday, be cautious of phishing emails that may contain fraudulent deals or links. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and verify the sender's email address before taking any action.

8. Set Spending Limits:

Plan your Black Friday budget in advance and set spending limits for yourself. This not only helps you manage your finances but also limits the potential impact of any fraudulent activity.

9. Keep Personal Information Minimal:

Only provide essential information during the checkout process. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal details and be cautious if a website or app requests more information than needed for the transaction.

10. Educate Yourself on Current Scams:

Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics. Awareness is key to recognising and avoiding potential threats.

Black Friday is an exciting time to save on your purchases and get ahead on your Christmas shopping, but it's crucial to prioritise your financial safety, as well as the safety of your personal information. By staying vigilant and following Black Friday safety tips, you can safeguard your personal and financial information.