With Black Friday fever sweeping through Nigeria’s online marketplaces, information and communication technology experts are urging shoppers to remain alert amid a rising wave of digital shopping scams.
The experts told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja that the annual shopping period—once centred on post-Thanksgiving discounts—has transformed into a g\a23lobal online event that attracts both genuine sellers and cybercriminals looking to exploit excited buyers.
They warned that an increasing number of shoppers are being misled by fake websites, cloned advertisements and phishing messages crafted to mimic trusted retail brands. This trend, they said, makes digital vigilance crucial during the festive shopping rush.
Tobi David, a digital security analyst, said both shoppers and retailers now face advanced forms of cyber fraud capable of deceiving even seasoned internet users.
“Shoppers and retailers are up against polished phishing sites and fake emails that successfully blur the line between legitimate and fraudulent communication,” he said.
David explained that scammers now deploy sophisticated AI tools to create highly convincing emails and promotional graphics.
These advancements, he noted, have elevated Black Friday scams beyond the poorly written messages commonly seen in the past.
He urged consumers to type website addresses directly into their browser instead of clicking promotional links and to ensure the presence of HTTPS encryption and the padlock icon before making payments.
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“Cybercriminals can easily create websites and emails that appear to be from legitimate businesses. Don’t simply follow links from emails—go directly to the retailer’s website,” he warned.
Ann Chukwu, a secondary school economics teacher, said phishing emails promising exclusive Black Friday offers are flooding inboxes and spam folders, often leading to malware installation or theft of personal data.
She noted that discounts ranging from 30 to 50 per cent attract millions of shoppers online, increasing the risk of exposure to fraudulent schemes.
“Reports say fake retail websites have surged by more than 200%, many of them designed to mimic trusted platforms such as Konga, Jumia and global sites like Temu,” she said.
For Rafia Sule, an online garments seller, Black Friday has become a period where caution is just as important as bargain hunting.
She warned that many “too-good-to-be-true” deals are intentionally crafted to trap unsuspecting consumers.
“Consumers and retailers must strengthen their defences; but ultimately, shoppers must adopt the mind-set of caution and scepticism,” she said.
Experts maintain that verifying website authenticity, avoiding unsolicited links and scrutinising suspicious offers remain essential to preventing financial losses during the ongoing Black Friday shopping season.
NAN
