South Africa, like many other countries across the globe, continues to witness an increase in digital payment fraud. While online transactions have become a preferred payment mode for many of us, the growing frequency of digital fraud can’t be overlooked.
Therefore, it’s crucial to safeguard yourself from online scams to not only keep your finances intact but also protect your personal information. After all, your hard-earned money and personal data should be yours to keep!
This blog will explore practical ways to protect yourself from potential digital threats.
What is Digital Payment Fraud?
The first step in protecting yourself from digital payment fraud is understanding what it entails and how it operates.
By regularly educating yourself through reliable sources such as online reviews, news articles, and customer forums, you’ll be able to recognise suspicious activities more easily and avoid becoming a victim.
Common Types to Be Aware of
Digital payment fraud in South Africa often involves phishing, digital wallet fraud, and identity theft. Phishing involves fraudsters posing as legitimate businesses to extract sensitive information, while digital wallet fraud exploits your card details without physical access. On the other hand, identity theft entails the illicit use of your personal data for fraudulent transactions.
Popular Tactics
Scammers use various tactics, including manipulative emails, fake websites, bogus phone calls, and false text messages designed to lull you into revealing your personal or financial information. Always be cautious and verify the source before providing any sensitive information.
Tips to Protect Yourself Online
One of the most effective measures you can take to prevent digital payment fraud is to apply a series of critical security practices.
Secure Your Personal Information
Proactively safeguard your personal information with strong, unique passwords. Avoid easily guessable passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. This effective measure involves receiving a unique code via SMS or email when you log into a specific app.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts and Suspicious Emails
Beware of suspicious emails, links, and attachments. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. If in doubt, wait to click. Instead, speak to the company directly using their official contact information.
Keep Your Devices and Software Up to Date
Regularly update your devices and applications to receive critical security software that protects your device from the latest threats. Additionally, install reliable anti-malware applications on your smartphone and laptop, and avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources.
Skip Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions
When making online transactions or accessing sensitive information, steer clear of public Wi-Fi and opt for a VPN or mobile data for a more secure connection. Unsecured connections can grant scammers unwanted access to information such as login details for your bank account, passwords, and credit card data.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Maintain a vigilant check on your bank accounts and transactions because vigilance is critical to early detection of fraud. Enable notifications for every transaction and promptly alert your bank to any unfamiliar activity. Despite banks implementing fraud prevention measures, such as SIM swap detection and two-factor authentication, scammers continually devise new methods. So stay one step ahead of the scammers by keeping a watching eye.
Be Cautious while Sharing Information
Stay alert! Don’t share sensitive information through insecure channels; always ensure the website is authentic before entering any personal data. If you’re shopping from an unfamiliar online store, see what others say about it before making a purchase. Check the business’ social media and online reviews on Hellopeter to be sure it’s reputable.
Shop Securely Online
Beyond taking the preventative measures mentioned above, incorporate these practical tips to shop online safely.
Use Secure Payment Platforms
When making online purchases, ensure websites have an ‘https’ prefix and a padlock symbol in the address bar. These trusted platforms have advanced security measures and encryption technologies in place to protect your personal and financial information.
Additionally, only use trusted payment methods to limit the risk of being scammed. Trusted platforms use advanced security measures and encryption technologies to protect your information from fraudsters.
Researching the payment platform before inserting your information on a website is best. Read reviews and recommendations from others to gain insights into a platform’s reliability and user satisfaction.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information Over Phone Calls or Email
Refuse to disclose PIN numbers, CVV numbers, or passwords via phone calls, SMS or emails. Fraudsters often trick unsuspecting individuals into providing these details. If a company needs your information, they typically ask for it through secure channels.
Report Digital Payment Fraud
Should you suspect digital payment fraud, report the case to your bank immediately, enabling them to freeze your account. Secondly, notify the South African Police Service and the South African Fraud Prevention Service at [email protected] or on the fraud line at 0860 101 248 for further investigations. Thirdly, warn your fellow online shoppers by writing a review on Hellopeter so they don’t fall into the trap.
Keep Mzansi Safe
Follow and share these tips to reduce the risk of falling victim to digital payment fraud.