Black Friday is 27 November. Online card fraud cost SA R780m last year
Online card fraud cost South African cardholders R780.5 million in 2025, SABRIC says. Before Black Friday on 27 November, here's how the scams work, your 7-day right to cancel online buys, and what to do about a fraudulent charge.
Black Friday lands on Friday, 27 November this year, the day after US Thanksgiving (Wikipedia). If you're planning to buy online, two things matter: online card fraud is still the biggest single way South Africans lose money on their cards, and the law gives you seven days to cancel most online purchases without giving a reason.
How much does online card fraud cost South Africans?
Card-not-present fraud, where criminals use stolen card details to pay online or over the phone, cost holders of South African-issued cards R780.5 million in 2025, according to the SABRIC Annual Crime Statistics 2025. That's the largest of all card fraud types.
Total card fraud losses rose 18% to about R1.7 billion in 2025. Fraud on transactions inside South Africa jumped 43.3% to R857.5 million, which SABRIC links to more people using cards for online payments (SABRIC).
Gauteng took the biggest hit, accounting for 51.7% of credit card fraud losses and 42.1% of debit card fraud losses in the country (SABRIC).
How do criminals get your card details?
SABRIC says online card fraud usually starts with phishing emails, vishing (phone calls) or SMS scams, where criminals pose as bank officials and trick people into handing over card details and one-time PINs (OTPs) (SABRIC). The details are then used for online purchases, often abroad. In 2025, 67.5% of credit card and 63.5% of debit card online fraud losses happened on transactions outside South Africa.
On credit cards, advertising services, travel agencies and betting made up more than half the losses. On debit cards, digital goods, advertising services and software made up 43% (SABRIC).
Practical steps that follow from this:
- Never share an OTP or card PIN with anyone who calls, SMSes or emails you, even if they say they're from your bank.
- Type the shop's address yourself instead of clicking deal links in messages.
- Turn on transaction notifications in your banking app so you see every charge as it happens.
- Check your statement after Black Friday for small or unfamiliar charges, especially foreign ones.
Can you cancel an online purchase and get your money back?
Yes, in most cases. Section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act lets you cancel an online purchase without a reason and without a penalty within seven days of receiving the goods. For services, the seven days run from when you sign up.
The shop may charge you only the direct cost of sending the goods back. If you've already paid, you're entitled to a full refund within 30 days of cancelling (ECT Act, s44).
The right doesn't cover everything. Section 42 excludes, among others (ECT Act):
- auction purchases
- groceries and other everyday goods delivered to your home or work
- goods made to your specifications or clearly personalised
- goods that expire or go off quickly
- audio, video or software you've unsealed
- financial services such as banking and insurance
If a product turns out to be faulty, separate rules apply. See your six-month right to a refund, repair or replacement.
What should you do if you spot a fraudulent charge?
Call your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card or in its app, and block the card. Banks can reverse unauthorised transactions, but the claim is handled through the bank first.
If your bank doesn't resolve it, you can complain to the National Financial Ombud Scheme, which took over the work of the Banking Ombud. It's free, but you must contact your bank first (NFO). The NFO's number is 0860 800 900.
FAQ
When is Black Friday 2026 in South Africa?
Friday, 27 November 2026, the day after US Thanksgiving. Many South African retailers run deals in the days around it.
How much did online card fraud cost South Africans in 2025?
SABRIC reports that card-not-present fraud on South African-issued cards cost R780.5 million in 2025, the largest of all card fraud types. Total card fraud losses were about R1.7 billion.
Can I return something I bought online in South Africa?
Usually yes. Section 44 of the ECT Act lets you cancel within seven days of receiving the goods, without a reason or penalty. You may be charged only the direct cost of returning them, and any payment must be refunded within 30 days.
Which online purchases can I not cancel under the ECT Act?
Exclusions include auctions, everyday groceries delivered to you, personalised or custom-made goods, goods that expire quickly, unsealed audio, video or software, and financial services.
What do I do if my card was used for a purchase I did not make?
Contact your bank immediately through the number on your card or in its app and block the card. If the bank does not resolve your complaint, you can go to the National Financial Ombud Scheme for free on 0860 800 900.