How to protect yourself from scams in South Africa

Protecting yourself from scams in South Africa requires awareness, caution, and proactive steps.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to scams:

1. Be cautious with personal information

• Never share personal details like your ID number, banking information, or passwords with unknown callers, emails, or messages.
• Be wary of unsolicited requests for sensitive information, especially from people claiming to be government officials or service providers.

2. Verify contact information

• Always verify the contact details of organizations or individuals who reach out to you. Call the company or government department directly using their official contact details (not the ones provided in a suspicious email or call) to confirm any requests.

3. Avoid unsolicited offers

• If you receive unsolicited offers or promotions, especially via email or text, be skeptical. Scammers often use too-good-to-be-true deals to lure victims into sharing personal information or making payments.

4. Use trusted websites for online transactions

• When making purchases online, ensure that the website is legitimate and secure. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon. Only use trusted platforms and avoid clicking on links from suspicious emails.

5. Do not engage with unknown callers

• Scammers often use phone calls to trick individuals into providing personal information or making payments. If you don’t recognize the number, don’t engage and consider blocking the caller.

6. Watch for phishing scams

• Be cautious about phishing emails or texts that ask you to click on links or provide personal information. Double-check any website addresses and always verify the authenticity of such requests directly with the organization involved.

7. Beware of job and investment scams

• Scammers often target job seekers or investors with promises of high returns or easy money. Always research any job opportunity or investment offer thoroughly and avoid paying upfront fees.

8. Check for red flags in social media and dating apps

• Be wary of people you meet online who quickly ask for money or gifts, especially if you haven’t met them in person. Scammers often build emotional relationships to manipulate victims into sending money or gifts.

9. Report suspicious activity

• If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the South African Police Service or the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Trade and Industry. You can also report scams to the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS).

10. Keep your software and security updated

• Ensure that your devices are protected with updated antivirus software and security features to help protect against online fraud and hacking.

By staying vigilant, questioning unsolicited requests, and practicing good security habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams in South Africa.