With the festive season fast upon us, many people are flocking to shopping centres and online retailers to stock up on all they need to get through the holiday season, however, with this comes the responsibility to exercise caution.
This is because sale opportunities like Black Friday are often among one of the best times for online scammers to hit the jackpot and put a few thousand rands into their pockets. This is because many people often try and avoid physically going to stores to purchase items in fear that malls and their queues might be packed with other shoppers.
While online shopping is intended to make life easier, it is important to exercise caution, so you do not fall victim to the criminals of the cyberspace.
Here are some tips on what you can do to safely do your shopping on Black Friday and during the festive period.
Fake social media ads
One of the ways scammers try and manipulate online users is by sharing fake social media advertisements. In the digital age we live in, many people spend several hours a day on social media and their phones.
According to Gauteng News encourages locals to vigilant and cautious before clicking on random ads that promote certain products.
“Scammers often create fake social media ads that redirect to phishing websites or low-quality products. These ads may promote extremely discounted items such as designer clothing, electronics, or toys, targeting Black Friday shoppers looking for bargains.”
One way to be sure that the business is legitimate is by searching for reviews and checking if their website is secure (look for “https” and a padlock symbol).
Update Anti-virus
The South African Bank Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), a non-profit organisation which specialises in combating bank-related crimes highlights the importance of ensuring that your antivirus software is installed, activated and updated regularly. “Cybersecurity habits can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.”
Protect yourself by using various passwords.
Discovery Bank highlights that it is best to have different combinations of passwords for each account and website you have registered on, so that should something happen, you are protected.
Also see: Black Friday might just not be giving Black Friday anymore | Bona Magazine
