PROJECT: BLACK FRIDAY REMINDER - A GUIDE TO SAFE AND SECURE SHOPPING

Isabel Spies
3 days ago
6 min read

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Black Friday in South Africa has evolved into a major retail event, often extending throughout November as "Black November." While it presents an opportunity for significant savings on everything from essential groceries to big-ticket items, the large crowds and heightened consumer activity can also attract opportunistic criminals.

A successful shopping experience is not just about finding deals, but also about ensuring your personal and financial safety.

By understanding the risks and preparing accordingly, you can shop with confidence and peace of mind.

Mr. Bolhuis’ ultimate piece of advice to the public on Black Friday:

“AVOID IT COMPLETELY “.

But, if you do decide to participate, apply the following rules and precautions:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME: STRATEGIC PREPARATION

RESEARCH AND PLAN YOUR PURCHASES:
- Know what you want and which stores offer the best deals.
- This minimises time spent in crowded areas and helps you avoid appearing lost or distracted.
CONSIDER ONLINE ALTERNATIVES:
- Many identical deals are available online.
- Opt for Black Friday or Cyber Monday online sales to avoid the crowds and the associated risks entirely.
TRAVEL LIGHT AND DRESS DISCREETLY:
- Principle: Do not make yourself a target. Flashy jewellery, designer accessories, or expensive clothing can attract unwanted attention from criminals.
- Practice: Leave unnecessary valuables at home.
- Dress comfortably and casually to blend in.
- Carry only the essential payment methods you need for the day.
SECURE FINANCIALS:
- Principle: Do not keep all your eggs in one basket.
- If your wallet is lost or stolen, you don't want to lose access to all your funds.
- Practice: Carry only one or two cards, preferably linked to accounts with lower balances.
- Leave other credit cards and your main debit card at home in a secure place.
INFORM OTHERS AND PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE:
- Tell a friend or family member your shopping plan and expected return time.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged for communication and emergencies.

WHILE SHOPPING: MAINTAIN SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

YOUR GOLDEN RULE: SITUATIONAL AWARENESS:
- This is your primary defence.
- Be conscious of your surroundings and the people near you.
- Avoid scrolling on your phone while walking through parking lots or stores, as this significantly reduces your awareness.
SECURE YOUR BELONGINGS PROACTIVELY:
- Purses: Use a cross-body bag and keep it in front of you, with zippers or clasps secured.
- Wallets: Keep them in a front pocket, not a back pocket.
- Consider a money belt or anti-theft wallet.
- Phones & Keys: Store them in zippered pockets.
- Never leave belongings unattended in a shopping cart.
PRACTICE FINANCIAL VIGILANCE:
- Defence Against Phishing:
  - Do not click on promotional links sent via email or SMS.
  - Scammers create fake offers to steal your information.
  - Always visit a retailer’s website directly by typing the official URL yourself.
- Protect Your PIN:
  - Shield the keypad with your hand every time you enter your PIN at a checkout or ATM to prevent shoulder surfers or hidden cameras from capturing it.
  - Never use obvious or easily guessable PINs.
- Limit Potential Damage:
  - Keep your ATM and purchase limits as low as practical.
  - This restricts the amount a thief can steal if your card is compromised, giving you time to report it to your bank.
NAVIGATE CROWDS AND PARKING LOTS SAFELY:
- Use the Buddy System:
  - Shop with a friend or family member.
  - There is safety in numbers, and you can watch each other's backs and belongings.
- Park Smartly:
  - Choose a well-lit parking spot close to the entrance.
  - Avoid areas obstructed by large vehicles.
  - Back into your space for a quicker exit.
  - Engage your immobiliser if you have one
  - Watch out for car jamming devices
- Be Cautious:
  - Have your keys ready before you reach your car.
  - Check the back seat and around the vehicle before getting in.
- Avoid Confrontations:
  - Do not engage in physical altercations over merchandise.
  - Your personal safety is more valuable than a discounted item.
MANAGE YOUR PURCHASES AND CHILDREN:
- Keep Purchases Out of Sight:
  - When loading your car, place shopping bags in the trunk, not on the back seat where they are visible.
  - A moment of carelessness can lead to a "smash-and-grab" theft.
- Verify Your Vehicle is Locked:
  - After locking your car with the key fob, physically pull the door handle to confirm it is secure.
  - Fob signals can be jammed by thieves.
- Minimise Distractions:
  - If possible, leave small children at home.
  - A divided attention span makes you more vulnerable to theft and less aware of your surroundings.
  - If you must bring them, use a stroller and establish clear rules about staying close.

AFTER SHOPPING: SECURING YOUR SUCCESS

REMAIN ALERT ON THE JOURNEY HOME:
- Thieves may follow shoppers from stores.
- If you suspect you are being followed, do not drive home. Proceed to a well-populated, safe location like a police station or gas station and call for assistance.
SECURE YOUR PURCHASES AT HOME:
- Do not advertise your new possessions.
- Break down empty product boxes before placing them in recycling bins, rather than leaving them intact on the curb for trash collection.

SUMMARY: KEY SAFETY PRINCIPLES:

Awareness is Everything: Pay more attention to your environment than your phone.
Secure Your Belongings: Use a cross-body bag for money, or a front-pocket wallet, and the trunk of your car for purchases.
Protect Your Finances at the Source: Type URLs directly, shield your PIN, and use low card limits.
Don't Be a Target: Dress discreetly and avoid flashing cash or valuable items.
Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or crowd feels unsafe, leave immediately.

By integrating these proactive habits into your routine,

you can focus on securing the best deals while effectively minimising risks.

Have a safe, secure, and successful Black Friday.

Read the following important projects on the subject:

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How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

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CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

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