11 November 2025 - As Black Friday sales in South Africa approach, shoppers are gearing up to score the best Black Friday deals for tech gadgets, fashion, and more. But while your wishlist might be full, your digital defences should be too. With a surge in online shopping in South Africa, cybercriminals are just as eager to cash in, using fake websites, phishing emails, and payment scams to exploit the shopping frenzy.
To help you navigate from wishlist to checkout safely, here’s your Black Friday shopping guide for South Africa, filled with practical steps to keep your money and personal data secure.
1. Start Smart: Research Before You Click
Not every “deal” is a real one. Before jumping on tempting Black Friday discounts, take a moment to verify the seller. Compare prices, check return policies, and ensure you’re shopping on official brand sites or verified retailers.
How to identify fake Black Friday deals: Watch for unrealistic discounts, spelling errors, or suspicious URLs. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Strengthen Your Cyber Defences
Before Black Friday deals go live, make sure your devices are protected. Install comprehensive protection likeESET Home Security Premium to guard against phishing sites, data theft, and malicious pop-ups that often appear during sales.
ESET provides advanced protection to help you stay safe while browsing, banking, and shopping online, so you can focus on finding the right deals, not worrying about hidden threats.
3. Shop Only on Secure Websites
When it comes to secure online shopping in SA, always look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon before entering payment details. Avoid using public Wi-Fi when shopping or banking; instead, stick to a private, password-protected connection.
Safe online shopping practices for Black Friday: Keep your browser and apps updated to reduce vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
4. Protect Your Personal Information
During Black Friday offers, many scams revolve around capturing personal data. Legitimate retailers won’t ask for unnecessary information like ID numbers or banking PINs.
Protecting personal information during Black Friday sales means sharing only what’s essential for payment and delivery.
5. Use Secure Payment Methods
Opt for credit cards, PayPal, or secure payment platforms that offer buyer protection. Avoid direct transfers to unfamiliar sellers.
How to use secure payment methods on Black Friday: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security and monitor your statements for any suspicious activity.
6. Stay Alert for Phishing and Fake Emails
Cybercriminals love the chaos of Black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday deals. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming “exclusive offers.”
Recognising phishing attempts during shopping: Check the sender’s address carefully, avoid clicking unknown links, and go directly to the retailer’s website instead.
7. Shop with Confidence
A little vigilance goes a long way. With tools like ESET Home Security Premium, you can enjoy the excitement of Black Friday deals safely, whether you’re hunting for tech gadgets, fashion steals, or festive home upgrades.
Make this season about smart shopping instead of risky clicking. Protect your data, your devices, and your wallet, so every deal you grab is a genuine win.