Fakes, and bogus deals, FlySafair warns shoppers ahead of Black Friday rush

AS SOUTH Africans prepare for Black Friday and the holiday travel season, FlySafair has issued a strong warning for consumers to stay alert, saying cybercriminals are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit the shopping frenzy.

- WENDY DONDOLO

The airline says the surge in online activity around Black Friday creates the perfect environment for fraud. According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), more than 100 000 cyber-attacks on banking accounts were recorded in 2024, costing victims an estimated R1.8 billion, an 86% increase from the previous year.

"Black Friday's urgency creates ideal conditions for scammers," said FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon.

"Time pressure, irresistible discounts, and high transaction volumes make consumers more susceptible to fraud. Criminals know this and use it to their advantage."

FlySafair says cybercriminals are now using far more advanced methods than in previous years. Al-generated deepfakes are being used to impersonate brands and individuals, making fake messages and videos appear legitimate.