Woolworths Shoppers Beware: Scammers Are Targeting South Africans
South African shoppers are being urged to stay vigilant after a noticeable surge in online scams falsely linked to Woolworths. The retail giant recently alerted customers to fraudulent promotions circulating across social media, WhatsApp, and other online platforms, all promising boxes of Woolworths products at unbelievably low prices.
The posts look convincing at first glance, often featuring doctored images, fake comments, and even fake endorsements. But beneath the polished visuals, these scams are designed to steal sensitive personal and banking information.
How the Scam Tricks You
Here’s what you need to know:
-
Fake Deals Lead to Surveys – Clicking on a link first directs users to a survey. While this seems harmless, the scam quickly escalates by requesting bank card details.
-
Ever-Changing Websites – Each click often redirects users to a different site, making it extremely difficult for authorities or Woolworths to track or shut down the source.
-
Fake Social Proof – Scammers use fake “happy customer” comments and doctored Woolworths branding to create trust and urgency. This pressure encourages shoppers to act quickly without verifying the deal.
Retail security experts say this tactic, known as trust-based social engineering, is designed to make you feel secure while rushing into a decision.
Woolworths Issues a Clear Reminder
To protect customers, Woolworths reiterated a simple but crucial point: it only operates one official website – woolworths.co.za.
The retailer urged shoppers to:
-
Verify promotions directly with Woolworths before clicking any link.
-
Never share personal or banking details through unsolicited surveys or links.
-
Report suspicious posts on social media platforms immediately.
“As always, we urge you to be mindful when shopping online and reach out to us directly if you have any concerns or want to check the validity of a promotion. We are here to help,” Woolworths said in a recent statement.
The Local Context
Online scams targeting South Africans have increased over the past few years, particularly around major retail brands and festive periods. Woolworths isn’t alone – other popular retailers have also warned customers about similar tactics, especially fake giveaways and discount schemes on social media.
Shoppers are sharing their experiences online. One Twitter user wrote, “Almost clicked on a Woolies ‘mega deal’ – glad I double-checked!” Another shared a screenshot of a suspicious WhatsApp link with the caption, “Don’t fall for this, people!”
These warnings highlight how important it is for South Africans to stay cyber-aware, especially when deals seem too good to be true.
How to Stay Safe
Cybersecurity experts advise:
-
Always check the retailer’s official website before entering any information.
-
Ignore unsolicited messages promising huge discounts.
-
Use secure payment methods and avoid direct bank transfers on unverified sites.
-
Educate family and friends, particularly older adults, who may be more susceptible to these scams.
A little caution can go a long way. Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Have you ever come across a Woolworths scam online? Share your story in the comments and help warn other shoppers.
