Black Friday alert: beware of AI, deepfakes and smart scams tricking you

Black Friday is around the corner and many consumer already decided that they are going to spend and spend as if there is no tomorrow. Some of them saved for their Black Friday shopping, some have not and will be sorry later.

But whether you have budgeted and saved for Black Friday or not, you have to beware of scammers who will try to trick you into parting with your hard-earned money or your confidential information. With International Fraud Awareness Week from 16 to 22 November, RCS is warning shoppers to expect a surge of more sophisticated scams, from AI-generated deepfakes to near-perfect fake links and sites.

Melanie Botes, RCS chief information officer (CIO), says this year criminals are combining speed, urgency and technology to make fraud harder to spot, which makes quick, practical safeguards essential.

According to Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFESA), the prevalence of fraud typically spikes during large retail events such as Black Friday, a trend RCS warns is likely to recur this year.

“Criminals are constantly refining their methods, often using advanced technology to make schemes look and sound more legitimate than ever before. The scams consumers face today are far more convincing than those of even a year ago, which is why constant vigilance is so important.”

While traditional threats, such as card skimming and phishing remain widespread, scammers are increasingly deploying new tools and approaches, Botes warns. To help shoppers stay one step ahead, Botes highlights these emerging risks to be aware of:

AI-powered fraud

Advances in artificial intelligence enable fraudsters to create realistic deep-fake videos, voice recordings and emails that mimic trusted brands or individuals. “This makes impersonation scams – such as fake product launches or limited offers – far harder to detect.”

Fake websites and online stores

‘Spoof’ sites that look almost identical to legitimate retailers are also on the increase. “The URL often contains subtle misspellings, like ‘rc$.co.za’ instead of ‘rcs.co.za’. There are also phantom stores advertising unbelievable bargains, only to disappear once you paid.”

Phishing, smishing and quishing

Phishing has expanded beyond email to SMS (smishing) and QR codes (quishing). “Consumers are targeted with fake courier messages, account verification requests or QR codes that link to malicious sites designed to steal login details or install malware.”

Social media scams

With social shopping really taking off in South Africa, fraudulent adverts and unverified ‘influencers’ are promoting unrealistic “specials” on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, directing consumers to counterfeit websites.

“These scams work because they tap into urgency, whether it is a limited-time discount or an invitation to register for a “free” giveaway or product hamper that asks for your details. If something feels rushed or suspicious, take a step back and assess the validity of the situation before clicking or sharing any personal information.”

Your Black Friday fraud safety checklist

To reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams, Botes recommends:

• Be sceptical of bargains: If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Compare prices on official retailer sites.
• Verify websites: Check for the padlock icon and https:// in the URL and watch for small spelling errors.
• Type, do not click: Type retailer web addresses into your browser instead of clicking on links in emails, ads or messages.
• Use secure payment methods for online shopping: Pay with a store card or a virtual credit card rather than EFTs and avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• Protect your details: Never share your PIN, CVV or OTP with anyone. Legitimate institutions will never ask for them.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Shop smart online: Never save your card details on e-commerce sites. Use virtual cards with rotating CVVs if your bank offers them.
• Watch out for social engineering: Be cautious of urgent or unexpected messages, including delivery notifications or QR codes.
• Use your bank’s security tools: Set lower transaction limits to reduce potential losses.
• Stay secure: Avoid public Wi-Fi unless you have a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) that you can log on to when shopping online and keep your devices and software updated.
• Check your statements: Monitor accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately. Review purchases within 48 hours to spot any irregularities early.
• Enable alerts: RCS customers automatically receive instant transaction notifications, check these regularly to confirm activity.

Consumer tip: Fewer accounts mean fewer risks

The more credit or retail accounts you have open, the more exposed you are to potential fraud, Botes says. “Simplifying your financial footprint reduces that risk. “The most powerful line of defence is always an informed and vigilant consumer. By understanding the risks and applying simple precautions, shoppers can enjoy Black Friday deals without fear. Fraud prevention is not just a seasonal concern – it is an everyday financial habit. The more aware we are as consumers, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed,” Botes says.