Ahead of Black Friday on 29 November 2024, and the festive season, Pick n Pay has warned consumers about a fraudulent Black Friday scam circulating online.
The scam falsely claims to offer competitions linked to the retailer, which Pick n Pay has confirmed are neither valid nor affiliated with the brand.
Official Warning from Pick n Pay
On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, Pick n Pay issued a warning via its social media platforms to alert South Africans about the Black Friday scam doing the rounds. The retailer stated:
“We have been alerted to a few fake messages and website links informing recipients they have been selected in a Pick n Pay Black Friday competition. This is not a valid Pick n Pay website and is not affiliated with Pick n Pay in any way. We only run competitions on our own social media pages.”
Pick n Pay also urged consumers to stay vigilant during the festive season, a time when fraudulent activity typically increases.
How the Scam Works
The scam uses Pick n Pay branding to deceive users and mimics the official website, pnp.co.za, to appear legitimate. The fraudulent link, presented as:
pnp.co.za@nrmt.xyz/pnp-blackfriday-prizes
redirects users to various websites, including apfn.xyz and goern.com (currently listed as “for sale” on Sedo). These sites claim users must complete a survey to win prizes, enticing them to provide personal information.
The message accompanying the link typically reads:
“Pick n Pay Black Friday Sale. Answer the question below to participate and win gifts.”
By harvesting personal data through this survey, scammers aim to exploit unsuspecting consumers for malicious purposes.
The Broader Impact
Pick n Pay has been a frequent target for scammers, particularly during high-traffic shopping periods like Black Friday.
Although Black Friday has its roots in the United States, it has become a significant retail event in South Africa, making it a prime opportunity for scams to thrive.
The individuals behind the scam remain unidentified. However, Pick n Pay reiterated that they run official competitions exclusively on their verified platforms and urged the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Staying Safe During the Festive Season
Consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any messages or offers claiming to be from Pick n Pay and report suspicious activity directly to the retailer.
Remaining cautious is essential to avoid falling victim to scams, which often escalate during busy shopping periods like Black Friday.
To ensure safety, shoppers should only interact with trusted Pick n Pay platforms:
- Official website: pnp.co.za
- Official Facebook page: facebook.com/PicknPay
All official promotions and competitions are exclusively communicated through these verified channels. By following these guidelines, consumers can help protect themselves and their personal information this festive season.
