- Impulsive Black Friday credit spending can lead to long-term debt, drain savings, and disrupt January expenses.
- Fraud and malware-based scams are expected to increase as transaction volumes rise.
- NFO urges consumers to budget carefully, check promotions, and protect personal information to avoid financial loss.
As South Africans get ready for Black Friday on 28 November 2025, the National Financial Ombud is encouraging people to think before they buy.
While the excitement of deep discounts is hard to resist, the Ombud warns that using credit without a plan can result in high-interest debt and empty savings accounts, making the new year feel bleak rather than bright.
Nerosha Maseti, Lead Ombud for the Credit and Banking Division at the NFO, has seen firsthand how easily shoppers can get caught up in the moment. “It’s tempting to swipe your card for those so-called bargains, but it can quickly turn into chaos if you’re not careful. And with more digital scams around, people should stay alert,” Maseti explains.
She advises everyone to go into Black Friday with a budget, stick to it, and remember that short-term deals should not come at the cost of long-term financial health. “The best deal is one that doesn’t cost your peace of mind,” she adds. Maseti points out that many people are left struggling to cover essentials when the credit bills arrive, and that regret often sets in once the excitement has faded.
Credit strain and financial pressure
Many households rely on credit to take advantage of November sales, but it is easy to forget about the interest that keeps adding up. By the time January comes around, those impulse buys may clash with school fees, rent, and other essential expenses.
Maseti warns that high-interest debts and short-term loans can trap people, while money set aside for things like a home or education disappears in the shopping frenzy. “A bargain stops being a bargain the moment it puts your financial stability at risk,” she says. Overspending can delay important goals for months or even years.
She urges South Africans to look after their financial health by keeping credit balances low, making budgets non-negotiable, and resisting the urge to buy something simply because it is cheap or almost sold out. “People often do not realise how quickly small purchases add up. A few discounted items can turn into a heavy credit burden,” Maseti says.
Spike in digital fraud
Along with overspending, the NFO is warning that scams and fraud are on the rise during the festive season. Criminals are targeting people who use non-bank and store-branded credit cards, pretending to be call centre staff and tricking them into giving away One Time Pins.
“This scam has been around in banking for years, but it is spreading fast in the non-bank credit card space,” Maseti warns. “No genuine company will ever ask for your card details, passwords, or One Time Pins.” Sharing an OTP with a scammer can leave you liable for purchases you never made and serious financial loss.
Maseti explains that scammers take advantage of the rush and distraction of the holiday season. “Fraudsters thrive when people are in a hurry and not paying attention,” she says.
Protect yourself this Black Friday
The Ombud advises everyone to look closely at deals and promotions, never share personal details, and only download apps from developers with a good reputation. If your phone starts acting strangely, such as the camera switching on or it becomes unusually hot, treat this as a warning sign. “Your phone is like your wallet, and criminals know this,” Maseti says.
The NFO recommends checking your bank account daily, watching for unknown transactions, and reporting any fraud as soon as possible, including filing a police statement if you need to. Reporting quickly gives you a better chance of recovering your money and helps prevent further crime.
If you are already dealing with online theft, unauthorised debit orders, reckless lending, or contract problems, the Ombud is there to help.
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