Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom Images: Supplied
FlySafair urges customers to stay alert as cybercriminals escalate attacks during South Africa’s peak shopping and travel season
Johannesburg, South Africa – November 24, 2025 — As Black Friday fever sweeps across the country and South Africans hunt for the best holiday travel deals, FlySafair is sounding the alarm: cybercriminals are more active, more sophisticated, and more opportunistic than ever.
The warning comes as South Africa faces a sharp rise in digital fraud. SABRIC recorded over 100,000 cyber-attacks on banking accounts in 2024, costing consumers approximately R1.8 billion — an 86% surge in just one year. With millions preparing to book flights during Black Friday, scammers are primed to exploit the rush.
“Black Friday’s built-in urgency creates ideal conditions for scammers,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.
“When people are racing against the clock and flooded with attractive offers, they’re more likely to let their guard down. Criminals know this.”
Why Black Friday Is a Scam Hotspot
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFE SA), fraud spikes significantly during major retail events. The combination of high traffic, time pressure, and consumers’ unfamiliarity with certain online platforms makes Black Friday a fertile ground for cybercriminals.
But 2025 brings a new challenge: AI-powered deception.
How Scammers Are Targeting South Africans This Year
Today’s fraudsters are using far more advanced tactics than in previous years. FlySafair highlights several red flags:
1. AI-Generated Deepfakes
Criminals now use AI to create convincing fake videos, emails, and voice notes impersonating brands, celebrities, and even company executives.
2. Counterfeit Airline Websites
Near-identical websites lure shoppers with “too-good-to-be-true” flight deals, some advertising unlimited flights for under R100 — a clear scam designed to steal payment details.
3. Quishing and Smishing
Fake QR codes and SMS messages direct unsuspecting customers to malicious sites requesting personal or banking information.
4. The PNR (Passenger Name Record) Scam
Scammers impersonate FlySafair agents, requesting PNRs to “verify bookings,” “confirm payments,” or “process refunds.”
FlySafair stresses:
“We will never request your PNR via unsolicited calls, SMS messages, or emails.”
Spotting Fraud: The FlySafair Rulebook
Gordon urges customers to pause, verify, and think before clicking:
“If an offer feels unrealistic, it probably is. Always double-check via our official website or verified social accounts.”
Official FlySafair platforms include:
- flysafair.co.za
- @FlySafair on Facebook and X
- @flysafairza on Instagram
Look for the blue verification badge.
Your Ultimate Black Friday Travel Safety Checklist
Before booking your flight, FlySafair recommends:
✔ Verify the source
Ensure the URL is exactly: flysafair.co.za — no extra characters, no variations.
✔ Check for social media verification
Blue checkmarks indicate official accounts.
✔ Beware of unbelievable deals
Confirm any promotions directly with FlySafair.
✔ Protect your PNR
Never share booking references via unsolicited messages.
✔ Use secure payment portals
Look for HTTPS encryption and trusted payment gateways.
✔ Slow down — even on Black Friday
Fraudsters rely on your sense of urgency. A 10-second pause can prevent disaster.
✔ Report suspicious activity
Protect yourself and help safeguard others.
Where to Verify Legitimate FlySafair Promotions
For confirmation of any FlySafair competition, communication, or promotional campaign, visit:
flysafair.co.za or contact customer service using official channels listed on the website.
