Quick Facts

• Black Friday 2025 is on 28 November 2025
• Expected R3.3 billion in total spending
• 50% of South Africans have been scammed at least once
• 269% increase in AI deepfake scams in 2025
• You have consumer rights even during sales

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year. It started in America in the 1950s. Now it happens all over the world. In South Africa, Black Friday has grown very big since 2015.

Shops offer big discounts on this day. You can save money on many products. This includes clothes, electronics, furniture and groceries. Many shops now extend Black Friday into a full week. Some call it Black November.

South African shoppers love Black Friday. In 2025, we expect over R3.3 billion in sales. Online shopping is now bigger than in-store shopping. More people use their phones to buy things.

When Is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, 28 November 2025.

But the sales don’t just happen on one day. Many shops start their Black Friday deals earlier. Some start as early as October 2025. Others run deals throughout November.

Important Dates for Black Friday 2025:

• Early November: First deals start appearing
• 23-27 November: Black Week sales begin
• 28 November: Official Black Friday
• 29-30 November: Weekend deals continue
• 2 December: Cyber Monday (online deals)

Major South African shops taking part include Takealot, Makro, Game, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Bash, Superbalist and many more. Both online and in-store deals are available.

🚨 WARNING: Common Black Friday Scams

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Half of all South Africans have been scammed at least once. Black Friday is when scammers are most active. Please read this section carefully.

1. Fake Online Stores

Criminals create fake websites that look real. They copy logos and designs from real shops. The website URL has small spelling mistakes. You pay for goods. Nothing arrives. The shop disappears.

2. AI Deepfake Scams (NEW 2025)

This is a new threat in 2025. Criminals use AI to create fake videos and voice messages. They pretend to be from banks or shops. In 2025, deepfake scams increased by 269%.

These scams look and sound very real. The video looks like a real person. The voice sounds exactly right. But it is all fake. The criminal wants you to share your OTP or bank details.

3. Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Criminals advertise products at amazing prices. Example: A Samsung TV worth R15,000 for only R2,999. They ask for a deposit upfront. You pay. Nothing arrives. They block you.

4. Facebook Marketplace Scams

Many scammers use Facebook Marketplace and other social media. They post items that don’t exist. They ask for EFT payments to personal bank accounts. Once you pay, they disappear.

5. Fake Courier Messages

You receive an SMS saying “Your parcel is waiting”. The message has a link. When you click, it downloads malware onto your phone. This gives criminals access to your banking apps.

6. Malicious Apps

Criminals create fake apps that promise “exclusive Black Friday deals”. These apps contain malware. Once installed, they steal your banking information and passwords.

✅ How to Shop Safely on Black Friday

Before You Shop:

1. Make a Shopping List

Write down what you actually need. Stick to your list. Don’t buy things just because they are cheap. Impulse buying leads to overspending.

2. Research Prices Before Black Friday

Check normal prices in October and early November. Write them down. On Black Friday, compare the “discount” price with the normal price. Some shops increase prices before Black Friday, then “discount” them.

3. Set a Budget

Decide how much money you can spend. Don’t spend money you need for rent or food. Remember: A discount is not a saving if you didn’t need the item.

When Shopping Online:

1. Only Use Trusted Websites

Shop only on websites you know. Type the URL yourself. Don’t click links from emails or messages. Look for “https://” at the start. Check for the padlock icon in the address bar.

2. Check the Website Carefully

• Does it have contact details? (Phone number, physical address)
• Does it have a returns policy?
• Are there spelling mistakes?
• Does it look professional?
• Can you find reviews on Google?

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Use credit cards or virtual cards when possible. They offer better protection than debit cards. Never use EFT for online shopping with unknown sellers. We explain payment methods in detail later.

4. Never Share Your OTP

Your OTP (One-Time Pin) is only for you. No shop needs your OTP. No bank will ask for it. If someone asks for your OTP, it is a scam.

5. Keep Proof of Purchase

Take screenshots of your order. Save confirmation emails. Keep bank statements showing the payment. This helps if something goes wrong.

When Shopping In-Store:

• Keep your card with you at all times
• Don’t let anyone else handle your card
• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN
• Check your bank balance regularly
• Keep all receipts
• Be aware of your surroundings

⚠️ Payment Methods Explained

Choosing the right payment method protects you from fraud. Different methods offer different levels of protection. Here are your options for Black Friday 2025:

Payment Method	Safety Level	Best For
Credit Card	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest	Online shopping, unknown websites
Virtual Card	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest	Online shopping, one-time purchases
Debit Card	⭐⭐⭐ Medium	Trusted shops only
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)	⭐⭐⭐⭐ High	Larger purchases, budget management
Instant EFT	⭐⭐⭐ Medium	Major retailers only
EFT to Bank Account	⭐ Lowest – AVOID	Never use for online shopping
Cash	⭐⭐⭐ Medium	In-store shopping only

1. Credit Cards (Safest Option)

How it works: You use borrowed money from the bank. You pay it back later.

Cost: No interest if you pay within 55 days. Otherwise interest is around 20-25% per year.

Why it’s safe: Credit cards offer strong fraud protection. If something goes wrong, the bank can reverse the payment. You don’t lose your own money immediately.

2. Virtual Cards (Also Very Safe)

How it works: Your bank creates a temporary card number. This number works for one purchase only. The CVV code changes regularly.

Cost: Usually free from your bank.

Why it’s safe: Even if criminals steal this card number, they can’t use it again. Your real card details stay hidden.

Banks offering virtual cards: FNB, Standard Bank, Nedbank, ABSA, Discovery Bank.

3. Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)

How it works: You pay for items in instalments. Take goods home immediately.

Popular BNPL providers in South Africa:

• PayJustNow: Pay in 3 instalments, interest-free
• LayUp: Pay over 6 months, no interest, no credit check needed
• Payflex: Split into 4 payments, interest-free

Cost: Usually no interest if you pay on time. Late fees may apply.

Warning: Only use BNPL if you are certain you can afford all instalments. Missing payments can damage your credit record.

4. What to AVOID

NEVER pay by direct EFT to personal bank accounts for online shopping. This is how most scams work. Once the money leaves your account, you cannot get it back.

Your Consumer Rights During Black Friday

IMPORTANT: Your consumer rights don’t disappear during sales. The Consumer Protection Act still protects you on Black Friday.

When Can You Return Goods?

There is NO general right to return items just because you changed your mind. However, you CAN return goods in these situations:

1. Defective or Broken Items (Within 6 Months)

If the item is broken, defective or doesn’t work properly, you have 6 months to return it. The shop must repair, replace or refund it. This is the law. The shop pays return costs.

2. Online Purchases (Within 7 Days)

For online purchases, you have 7 days to return items for any reason. This is called the “cooling-off period”. You must pay return shipping costs. The item must be unused and in original packaging.

3. Items Not As Described

If the item is different from what was advertised, you can return it within 10 days. Example: You ordered a red jacket but received a blue one.

4. Direct Marketing Sales (Within 5 Days)

If someone contacted you directly (phone, email, SMS) to sell you something, you have 5 days to cancel and get a full refund.

When You CANNOT Return Items:

• Changed your mind (unless shop policy allows it)
• Found it cheaper elsewhere after buying
• Damaged the item yourself after purchase
• Health and hygiene products (underwear, earrings, etc.)

Understanding Refunds vs Store Credit:

When you qualify for a refund under the Consumer Protection Act, you can choose:

• Cash refund to your original payment method
• Replacement with a similar item
• Repair of the defective item

The shop cannot force you to accept store credit or vouchers. You have the right to choose cash.

✅ Planning Your Black Friday Budget

The biggest mistake people make on Black Friday is spending money they don’t have. Here’s how to shop smart without going into debt:

Step 1: Calculate What You Can Afford

Only spend money you already have. Don’t use money meant for:

• Rent or bond payments
• Electricity and water
• Food and groceries
• Transport to work
• School fees
• Medical expenses

Step 2: Make a Priority List

Write down what you actually need in order of importance. Example:

1. Essential: School shoes for children (R400 budget)
2. Important: New fridge (current one is broken) (R4,000 budget)
3. Want but not urgent: New TV (R6,000 budget)

Step 3: Research Normal Prices

Check prices now, before Black Friday. Write them down. This helps you spot real deals. Example:

Item	Normal Price	Black Friday Price	Real Saving?
Samsung 58″ TV	R9,999	R5,999	✅ Yes! Save R4,000
Laptop	R7,999	R7,499	❌ Only R500 saving

Step 4: Set Spending Limits

Decide on a maximum amount for Black Friday. Stick to it. Tell a family member your limit so they can help you stay disciplined.

Warning About Debt:

Don’t take out loans for Black Friday shopping. Don’t max out your credit cards. The interest you pay will cancel out any savings. A R5,000 TV becomes a R7,000 TV when you add 24 months of interest.

⚠️ Other Things to Watch Out For

1. Fake Discounts

Some shops increase prices in October, then “discount” them in November. Check price history. Use websites like PriceCheck to compare.

2. Limited Stock Tricks

Shops advertise amazing deals but only have 5 units in stock. This brings customers to the shop. Then they try to sell you more expensive items. This is called “bait and switch”.

3. Pressure Tactics

Websites show countdown timers: “Only 2 hours left!”. They show “Only 3 items remaining!”. This creates panic. Don’t rush. Real deals will last. If you miss one, another will come.

4. Hidden Costs

Check delivery costs before buying. A R500 discount is not a bargain if delivery costs R350. Always check the total price at checkout.

5. Old Model Products

Sometimes shops discount old models when new models arrive. Check if you’re buying the latest version. Old models might lack important features.

6. Impulse Shopping

Shops want you to buy things you don’t need. They use psychology tricks. Stick to your list. Ask yourself: “Would I buy this at full price?” If no, you don’t really need it.

Safe Places to Shop This Black Friday

Here are trusted South African retailers participating in Black Friday 2025:

Online Shops:

• Takealot: www.takealot.com (Electronics, homeware, fashion)
• Bash: www.bash.com (Fashion, sports, homeware)
• Superbalist: www.superbalist.com (Fashion, beauty)
• Makro: www.makro.co.za (Electronics, groceries, appliances)
• Woolworths: www.woolworths.co.za (Fashion, food, homeware)

Physical Stores:

• Game, Makro, Builders Warehouse (Electronics and appliances)
• Checkers, Pick n Pay, Shoprite (Groceries and essentials)
• Edgars, Woolworths, Mr Price (Fashion and homeware)
• Dis-Chem, Clicks (Health and beauty)

🚨 If Something Goes Wrong

If You’ve Been Scammed:

1. Contact your bank immediately – Phone them right away. They might stop the payment.
2. Report to the police – Open a case at your nearest police station or report online to the SAPS Cybercrime Division.
3. Report to SABRIC – South African Banking Risk Information Centre tracks scams.
4. Block the scammer – Block their number, email and social media accounts.
5. Warn others – Share your experience to help others avoid the same scam.

If You Have a Complaint About a Shop:

1. Complain to the shop first – Keep records of all communication.
2. Put it in writing – Email or letter works best. Keep copies.
3. Contact the National Consumer Commission – 0860 003 600
4. Use the Consumer Goods Ombud – For disputes about products.

Remember: Don’t give up. You have legal rights. Keep all proof of purchase, emails, and screenshots.

Black Friday can help you save real money. But only if you shop smart and stay safe. Here are the most important things to remember:

1. Plan before you shop – Make a list. Set a budget. Research normal prices.
2. Only shop at trusted places – Type website URLs yourself. Don’t click links in messages.
3. Use safe payment methods – Credit cards or virtual cards are safest for online shopping.
4. Never share your OTP – No shop or bank will ever ask for it. Sharing it means losing your money.
5. Watch for scams – If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
6. Know your rights – You can return defective items within 6 months. Keep all receipts and proof.
7. Don’t go into debt – Only spend money you already have. Interest costs more than you save.
8. Take your time – Don’t let countdown timers rush you. Real deals don’t need pressure tactics.

Remember: The best Black Friday deal is the one that doesn’t leave you stressed or in debt. A discount is only a saving if you actually needed the item. Shop smart, stay safe, and have a good Black Friday!