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Online shopping scams, fake websites, and payment fraud spikes with Black Friday,
targeting unsuspecting shoppers eager for good deals.
FAKE ONLINE STORES:
Scammers create fake websites or social media pages that look like legitimate online stores.
These sites often offer popular items at very low prices to lure buyers in, but the product is never delivered after the payment is made.
Always verify the URL of the website from which you are making purchases.
Scammers often mimic well-known brands but may have slight variations in the URL (e.g., adding extra letters or using unusual domain endings like ".co" or ".shop").
Legitimate businesses provide detailed contact information.
Be cautious if a site has only a form or email without an address or phone number.
Do a quick search for the store's reviews and ratings.
Sites like HelloPeter can provide insight into the store's credibility.
PHISHING EMAILS AND SMS (SMISHING):
Scammers send emails or SMS messages claiming to be from popular retailers, often with "limited-time offers" and links that lead to fake sites or request sensitive information like bank details.
Examine the sender's email address.
Fraudulent emails often come from addresses that look similar to the retailer's but have slight changes.
If an email or SMS looks suspicious, do not click the links.
Instead, visit the retailer's website directly by typing the URL in your browser.
No legitimate retailer will ask for personal details like ID numbers, PINs, or passwords via email or SMS.
SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS AND FAKE ADVERTISEMENTS:
Scammers use social media platforms to promote fake sales through sponsored posts or bogus ads.
Clicking on these can lead to fraudulent sites that collect your information or ask for payments without delivering products.
Start with verifying the page.
Always check if the retailer's page is verified with a blue checkmark, which indicates an authentic business on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Compare prices with other trusted retailers before making a purchase.
Comments on social media ads can be revealing, as previous victims often leave warnings about scams.
PAYMENT FRAUD AND CREDIT CARD SCAMS:
Scammers may intercept payment information through fake websites or unsecured payment gateways.
In some cases, legitimate-looking sites might be "skimming" your card information to use for fraudulent purposes later.
Always use secure payment methods.
Opt for payment methods like credit cards, which offer better consumer protection.
Avoid direct bank transfers, as these are harder to trace or recover if scammed.
Check for "HTTPS" and make sure the website's address starts with "https://" and has a padlock icon - this indicates a secure, encrypted connection.
Enable two-factor authentication on your bank app or online wallet.
VOUCHER AND GIFT CARD SCAMS:
Fraudsters offer fake discount vouchers or gift cards via email, SMS, or social media.
These fake offers ask for details or direct you to websites where scammers collect personal and payment information.
If you receive a gift card offer, verify its authenticity by contacting the retailer directly.
Do not pay for a "Free" gift card.
Genuine gift cards do not come with a "processing fee" or any other hidden charges.
Be wary of offers requiring payment for something free.
AUCTION AND BIDDING SCAMS:
Scammers set up fake auction sites where items are "sold" through competitive bidding.
These items are often fake or never delivered, and they use the urgency of Black Friday to attract victims.
Use reputable auction sites that offer buyer protection, such as eBay.
Some fake auction sites have high "registration" or "handling" fees.
Authentic sites do not charge excessive upfront costs.
"BUY NOW, PAY LATER" TRAPS:
Some scammers exploit the "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) trend, presenting fake BNPL offers on goods they never intend to deliver.
If opting for a BNPL offer, use well-known services like Payflex or other reputable platforms specific to South Africa.
Always read the fine print, ensure you understand all terms and conditions, and only deal with established retailers offering BNPL as a payment option.
FAKE CUSTOMER SERVICES SCAMS:
Scammers may create fake customer service pages or contact information; these appear in Google ads or social media comments.
When you try to reach them for inquiries, they gather personal details or ask for additional payments to "resolve" non-existent issues.
Visit the official websites directly for customer service information.
Do not trust search engine ads or comments on social media.
Double-check the contact information.
If the customer service information looks odd or unofficial, verify it on the company's official website.
MORE SAFETY MEASURES TO KEEP IN MIND:
Set up alerts on your bank account.
Activate SMS or app notifications for transactions above a certain amount.
Use strong passwords and update them regularly.
Ensure your online shopping accounts have unique, strong passwords, and avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
Report suspicious activity immediately.
If you believe you have encountered a scam, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), or the online platform where the fraud has occurred.
Enable bank card and credit card limits.
SSS will continue to keep the public informed by sharing regular updates and warnings about potential crime risks.
These posts will highlight common scams, safety measures to avoid them,
and other critical information to help individuals stay vigilant and safe.
MORE RELEVANT PROJECTS:
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-bank-scams
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-phishing-smishing-and-vishing
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-the-man-in-the-middle-scams
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-whatsapp-and-telegram-scams
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-the-twin-sim-scam
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-loan-scams
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-online-scam-statistics
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
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