How South Africans can spot and avoid scams

Prepared by : Independent 
Article Classification: Information
Image courtesy: SAPAC Professionals and Contractors

 

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How South Africans can spot and avoid Scams

Scams work because they look like the real thing and scammers contact you when you’re not expecting it, or busy trying to do many things at once.

Criminals take advantage of new technology, new products, new trends or services and major events. They use them to create believable stories that convince you to give them your money, financial or personal details. 

Always stop, think and check before you act. South African Scammers rely on you not spotting these warning signs because you're in a hurry, you don't want to miss something that looks like a great deal, or because it seems like it's from someone you trust.

You use Social Media to find Service Providers like Facebook or WhatsApp groups. 

 What is a scams?

• South African Scams are economic crimes run by "criminal" syndicates who are often very organized and sophisticated.

A scam is:

• When someone deceives you you into providing personal or financial information  so they can steal from you.

A scam is NOT:

• someone hacking your computer, device or account to steal from you.
• buying something that turns out to be poor quality
• paying more than something is worth.

Not all negative experiences are scams. While its disappointing if you buy something that's not as  described, it doesn't make it a scam. You have rights under the South African National Consumer Commission for these sorts of issues.

Common signs of a Scam 

It can be very hard to spot a scam, but there are some warning signs to watch out for:

It looks like and amazing opportunity to make or save money.


South African scammers trick you into believing you're getting an incredible deal or offer. They do pressure you to act quickly so you don't miss out. Remember, deals that seems to good to be true, usually are. Some scammers take it slow so be watchful.  

Someone that you know have not met needs your assistance or money

South African scammers try to use your good nature against you. They tell heartbreaking or tragic stories to convince you to help them and give them money. Always be warry wary of any appeal for money and never give more money than you are willing to lose if you cant independently confirm that the story is true.

The message contains attachments or links 


Never just click a link or attachment you receive via email or text. Scammers will try to catch you off guard and send you to a scam website designed to steal your information and money.

Always make sure that the sender is who they say they are and that you know what you are opening. It is safest to find information yourself by browsing to the website or app than clicking on a link.

You may check with SAPAC 

You feel somehow pressured to act immediately. 

 South African scammers don't want you to take your time to think things through. They use techniques designed to catch you off guard and rush you, either saying if you don't you will miss out or even threatening that something bad will happen.

They ask you to pay in an unusual manner or specific way 

If any person asks you to pay with preloaded card, google cards or virtual crypto currency, chances are its a scam. Once money is spent, you cant get it back.

They ask you to set up new accounts 

If someone does ask you to set up a new bank account in order to pay them (or be paid by them), this is a clear sign you should be suspicious. It could be a money laundering scam. Your banking institution will never ask you to open new accounts to keep your money safe. Stop and check who you are dealing with.  

WATCH OUT FOR FOLLOW UP SCAMS

If scammers have been successful, they will try to get you more money. Unfortunately, 1 of 3 victims of a scam have been scammed more than once. If scammer have stolen your money, financial or personal information, watch out for new scams - especially if someone contact you to "help you to get your money back. 

STOP

Do not give personal information or money to anyone if unsure. 

South African scammers will offer to help you or ask you to verify who you are. They will pretend to be from organizations you know and trust. Government departments, police services even fraud services.   

THINK

Always ask if this message or call can be fake?

Never click on a link or attachment. Only contact Government department or organizations, police services or fraud services through their official websites or through secure online application. If you are not sure say no and hang up.

ACT

Protect yourself if something feels wrong!

Contact your banking institution immediately if you notice irregular or unusual activity. Or if the scammer gets your information or money. 

REPORT

Seek immediate help and obtain immediately a case number. Report to home affairs that your personal information has been stolen. You may also report such issues through the SAPAC Live Scam portal.

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