Experts warn of Black Friday scams

As Black Friday sales come alive, experts have urged customers to be weary of scams and to avoid overspending on unnecessary things.

November 29 marks the famous day, where retail stores ‘slash’ prices of certain items including, appliances and groceries, amongst other things.

Black Friday is historically a United States tradition that take place after Thanksgiving and marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.

It is one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the United States and now has slowly trickled to become a day that is ‘observed’ in other countries too, including South Africa.

Expectations are that South Africans will spend heavily, as retailers, banks and service providers are offering a host of deals.

Economist, Dawie Roodt, says over the years, the day of discounts has become a trend locally, with some taking the day off to go shop.

Speaking to YNews, Roodt also advised customers to keep an eye out as they do their shopping.

 

Tech expert, Ridwaan Boda, agrees that Black Friday has become a major shopping event in the country.

“Many South Africans participate eagerly planning their purchases well in advance. When we look at statistics, it shows that the preference for shopping started online but there seems to be a trend to shop online,” says Boda.

One of the most common things that comes with Black Friday is scamming.

Online scams are becoming sophisticated at an alarming rate, and this is the time when fraudsters take advantage of the day, knowing that customers will be looking for the best deals.

Speaking to YNews, Boda gave some tips for customers to ensure that they don’t fall victim to online scams as they look to maximise on the discounts available.

This includes customers making sure that the website they visit are legitimate.

He says, last year, South Africans spent about R4.5 billion on Black Friday.

In-store shopping is still the preferred method for shoppers with over R3 billion spent, while online shopping is also slowly becoming popular.

Boda says while customers can find good deals and savings, they need to do proper research ahead of purchasing.

On social media, there’s mixed views about the day, with some excited while others feel like it’s a scam.

Amadoda are very silent about imali ye Black Friday.

— Luu. (@LundiMali) November 28, 2024

where black friday deals on rent bro 😔

— costco hotdog enjoyer (@cappuccin0papi) November 28, 2024

Black Friday is not the same anymore. Wdym 10% off??

— Obiiey M 🦋🎀 (@Obiiey_) November 28, 2024

I do not have the willpower to endure these Black Friday emails

— Dani Rose (@dani_luka5) November 28, 2024

My first Black Friday sale

— Big P 🏰🌊🌊🛟🗽 (@therealmazardi) November 28, 2024

Black Friday in South Africa is a joke.

— ᴅᴀʟɪ. (@DALiii_Danger) November 28, 2024

Wr don’t have Black Friday sales in South Africa. But, I will say that the local fashion house street wear brands are actually trying and giving us real sales. Shout out.

— 2LEEWHOOBABY (@2leestark) November 28, 2024

1. Black Friday has become a worldwide thing, even here in South Africa
2. Target exclusives are usually available internationally immediately as it’s only target exclusive in the US
3. Lots of us have corrupt governments or other issues in our countries 🙃

— Lisa 🤍 (@lisas_version) November 26, 2024