With Black Friday around the corner and South Africans gearing up for holiday travel bargains, FlySafair is warning customers to be extra vigilant. Fraudsters are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit the rush and excitement of the shopping frenzy.
The risk is real. According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), more than 100,000 cyber-attacks on banking accounts were recorded in 2024, costing individuals approximately R1.8 billion, a staggering 86% increase from the previous year.
“Black Friday’s urgency creates ideal conditions for scammers,” says Kirby Gordon, FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Time pressure, irresistible discounts, and high transaction volumes make consumers more susceptible to fraud. Criminals know this and use it to their advantage.”
Why Black Friday is Prime Time for Scams
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFE SA) reports that fraud spikes during major retail events. Shoppers rushing to secure deals or unfamiliar with online platforms are particularly vulnerable.
The Evolving Face of Fraud
This year’s scams are more convincing than ever. Fraudsters are leveraging:
- AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate trusted brands and individuals.
- Near-identical fake websites mimicking legitimate platforms.
- QR code phishing (quishing) and SMS-based scams (smishing) to trick consumers into sharing sensitive data.
Spotting Unrealistic Offers
Fraudsters often create fake social media pages impersonating FlySafair and other airlines, advertising impossible deals, like unlimited flights for under R100, to harvest personal and payment details.
“If an offer feels unrealistic, pause before you click,” advises Gordon. “Always confirm deals via our official website, flysafair.co.za, or verified social media accounts: @FlySafair on Facebook and X, and @flysafairza on Instagram. Look for the blue verification checkmark.”
AI-Powered Deception
Artificial intelligence now enables scammers to produce hyper-realistic videos, voice notes, and emails, making impersonation scams harder to detect, even for savvy shoppers.
Beyond Email: New Phishing Tactics
Black Friday’s flood of promotional messages gives scammers cover for attacks. Fake courier notifications, account verification requests, and malicious QR codes are increasingly common.
Tip: Before clicking any link, confirm the sender and ensure the URL reads exactly: flysafair.co.za. If it looks even slightly different, don’t proceed.
The PNR Trap
Your Passenger Name Record (PNR) is the key to your booking. Scammers may send messages claiming to be FlySafair, requesting PNRs to “confirm” bookings or “process” refunds, creating false urgency.
“We will never request your PNR through unsolicited messages,” Gordon emphasises. “If you receive such a request, contact us directly via official channels.”
Social Media Scams
With social commerce booming, platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become prime hunting grounds for fraudsters. Fake ads and unverified influencers often promote unrealistic deals, directing users to counterfeit sites.
Your Black Friday Safety Checklist
Before booking flights:
- Verify the source: Ensure you’re on flysafair.co.za, not a lookalike domain.
- Check for verification: Look for blue checkmarks on official social media accounts.
- Question incredible deals: If it seems too good to be true, confirm with FlySafair.
- Protect your PNR: Never share booking references via unsolicited messages.
- Secure your payment: Only enter details on HTTPS-encrypted official sites.
- Take your time: Scammers exploit urgency, pause and verify before buying.
- Report suspicious activity: Help protect others by reporting scams immediately.
For verification of any FlySafair promotion, competition, or communication, visit www.flysafair.co.za or contact customer service via official channels listed on the website.
