Cybersecurity South Africa Holiday Scams Black Friday Security Online Safety Cloud Security Phishing Protection Mobile Security Marketplace Scams RALM Cloud
Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist.
South Africa sees a dramatic spike in cybercrime during the holiday shopping season. As consumers hunt for bargains and businesses push seasonal promotions, cybercriminals exploit the rush with sophisticated scams — especially on mobile, where most South Africans shop.
From fake courier notifications to malicious ads, the scams are becoming more targeted, more believable, and more damaging. According to banking associations, holiday-season fraud attempts increase significantly from late October to January, with mobile shoppers being the prime target.
Below are the biggest scam trends affecting South Africans this holiday season — and how RALM Cloud can help you stay protected.
Social Media & Marketplace Scams
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram boutiques, and TikTok shops are packed with spoofed profiles and fake listings.
Common South African examples include:
- Unrealistically cheap iPhones
- “Clearance sale” electronics
- EFT-only payment demands
- Vanity pages pretending to be Takealot or Makro
These scams rely heavily on speed and impulse buying.
Fake Courier & Postal Tracking Scams
This is one of the biggest holiday scams in SA.
SMS or WhatsApp messages claim:
“Your package is held at customs. Pay R19.99 to release.”
Often impersonating:
- Post Office
- Courier Guy
- Fastway
- DHL
These phishing links steal card details or plant malware.
Malvertising & Fake Ads
During December, criminals push fake ads disguised as:
- Black Friday specials
- Holiday giveaways
- Limited-time deals
- “Win a Pick n Pay voucher”
These can drop malware or redirect to phishing pages.
“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure and persistence”
Colin Powell
Mobile Shopping Risks
South Africans often use mobile apps for shopping, making them targets for:
- Fake apps
- Malicious APK downloads
- Phishing popups
- Fake review manipulation
With nearly all tracking done via phone, attackers know where users are most vulnerable.
How to Stay Protected (RALM Cloud Recommendations)
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
- Avoid EFT or instant transfers to private sellers.
- Verify store URLs before payment.
- Use security software that detects fake ads and phishing pages.
- Regularly monitor bank and store accounts for unusual activity.