Stay safe online this Black Friday: Here are the essential tips to protect your finances
As Black Friday countdowns to an anticipated surge in consumer spending, ensuring online security should be as high on your shopping list as finding the best deals. Equip yourself with knowledge, remain vigilant, and navigate your way through the holiday shopping season safely and wisely.
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As the wildly popular Black Friday approaches, South Africans are gearing up for another shopping extravaganza, with spending from last year already hitting a staggering R30 billion across just three banks.
This year, as millions prepare to take advantage of enticing deals and discounts, experts urge shoppers to prioritise online security amid the festive frenzy.
Colin Campbell, Director of Marketing and Operations at Finchoice, has highlighted that while bargains abound, this period attracts not just eager consumers, but also fraudulent activities as cybercriminals attempt to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.
“Black Friday signifies the start of year-end spending, but it’s also a period when emergencies can arise and credit is often used swiftly. Be aware: scammers are ready to take advantage,” he warns.
To ensure consumers can shop safely this Black Friday, Campbell has shared practical advice that all savvy shoppers should follow:
Use a virtual card: Create a digital card specifically for online transactions, isolating your main bank account and adding an extra layer of security.
Update passwords: Switch to strong, unique passwords which do not contain personal information and safeguard your online presence.
Verify offers: Deals that pressure immediate action or seem too good to be true should be validated through proper channels, including official merchant contact methods.
Use trusted payment platforms: Opt for recognised payment services like PayJustNow, which secures transactions and doesn’t require card details on unfamiliar sites.
With the growing trend towards online shopping, the risk of falling prey to cyber fraud continues to rise.
Campbell encourages additional caution when considering short-term loans to fulfil holiday expenses.
“Always check that a lender is an authorised Financial Services Provider with a valid FSP number. If a lender lacks a secure website, it’s likely your financial information isn’t well safeguarded,” he asserts.
It is crucial to monitor transactions closely. Finchoice recommends enabling app push notifications or SMS alerts to track every purchase in real-time, allowing consumers to detect any fraudulent activity immediately.
“Acting quickly can prevent small issues from escalating into significant financial woes,” Campbell adds.
In response to the increasing popularity of online borrowing, Finchoice has instituted numerous safety measures: verification pre-application, responsible lending practices aimed at avoiding over-indebtedness, as well as a ‘low and grow’ approach that allows consumers to build credit responsibly.
With the festive season approaching, it’s essential that security does not take a back seat to spending. Campbell advocates for a few minutes of extra attention spent on securing personal information and financial practices, stating, “It’s about being prepared, not paranoid.”
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