Black Friday 2026 is just a few weeks away, and the deals are already starting to appear.
Big red price tags and countdown timers can make every offer look irresistible.
But not every discount is what it seems.
And scammers love Black Friday as much as shoppers do.
Black Friday falls on Friday, 27 November 2026, followed by Cyber Monday on Monday, 30 November.
Here are five things to check before you buy.
IS THE DISCOUNT REAL?
A big percentage off doesn’t always mean a big saving.
Consumer watchdogs have warned that some sellers inflate the “original” price, so the discount looks bigger than it really is.
It’s a problem around the world.
When European consumer authorities checked 314 online shops during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, they found that 30% displayed their discounts incorrectly, according to Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
What to do: Start tracking the prices of items you want now, so you’ll know what a genuine discount looks like on the day.
In South Africa, the Consumer Protection Act prohibits false or misleading claims about prices.
COMPARE PRICES ACROSS STORES
The first deal you see isn’t always the best one.
What to do: Check the same product, with the same model number, at several stores. Remember to include delivery fees when comparing online prices.
KNOW YOUR RETURN RIGHTS
Sale items still come with legal protections.
IS THE WEBSITE REAL?
Scammers create fake online shops and adverts that look almost identical to the real thing.
What to do:
PAY SAFELY
How you pay can make a big difference if something goes wrong.
What to do:
WHERE TO COMPLAIN
If a retailer won’t help with a faulty product or a misleading deal, you can complain to the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO), or to the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO BUY THIS BLACK FRIDAY?
Let us know in the comments below…
