Fake Black Friday deals: 7 Warning signs shoppers should know

Black Friday promises shoppers the chance to save on everything from household essentials to electronics. However, not every advertised special offer has genuine value.

Also see: The real saving might come from skipping Black Friday

Between misleading discounts, hidden charges and fraudulent online stores, South Africans need to be careful before reaching for their bank cards.

Flip the Market provides seven warning signs to look out for before spending your money.

1. The discount looks too good to be true

A product advertised at 50% off might not be the bargain you think it is. Some retailers have faced scrutiny for increasing prices before Black Friday and later advertising reductions that bring products back to their usual prices.

Track the prices of items you want from early November and compare them across different stores. Do not rely entirely on the advertised percentage discount.

2. You have no spending limit

Shopping without a budget makes it easier to buy things you never intended to purchase.

Before browsing, decide how much you can comfortably spend after covering essentials such as groceries, rent and transport. Prepare a wishlist and prioritise items you genuinely need, Flip the Market suggests.

Remember, spending R1,000 on something unnecessary is not saving R1,000.

3. Hidden costs cancel out the savings

A discounted product can become expensive once additional charges are included.

Check delivery fees, return costs, warranties and possible repair expenses before purchasing. Be particularly careful with imported electronics that may not have reliable local repair options.

Also consider interest and administration fees when using store accounts or buy-now-pay-later services.

Also see: Black Friday: A South African shopper’s guide to the best deals

4. The online store looks suspicious

Flip the Market states that fake retailers often use social media advertisements and attractive prices to lure shoppers.

Before purchasing, check the seller’s contact details, physical address, customer reviews and returns policy. Be cautious of unfamiliar websites with spelling mistakes, incomplete information or prices significantly lower than those of established retailers.

5. You are being rushed into paying

Scammers often create urgency by advertising exclusive deals through WhatsApp, Telegram and social media messages.

Avoid clicking suspicious links or making immediate payments into unfamiliar personal bank accounts. Rather, visit the retailer’s official website independently to verify the promotion.

Never share your banking PIN or one-time password with anyone, warns Flip the Market.

6. The payment method offers little protection

Be cautious when sellers insist on EFT payments into accounts you cannot verify. Credit cards and reputable digital wallets may offer additional transaction protection, depending on the provider.

The same applies to discounted flights and holiday accommodation advertised on social media. Verify travel agencies independently before making payments.

7. You are buying simply because something is on sale

Ask yourself whether you would purchase the item if it were not discounted. If it was never on your shopping list, it might not be worth spending money on.

Ultimately, genuine Black Friday savings should fit your budget, meet an actual need and leave you financially comfortable heading into December.