The Festive Summer Ena’Lanto in Gauteng is a time of joy and celebration. However, amidst the festivities, learning ways to stay financially savvy in Gauteng and be aware of potential scams is important. Here are some tips for Gauteng residents to maintain financial vigilance, particularly against online payment fraud, skimming scams, and banknote fraud.
#VisitGauteng #StayingSafe #GPLifestyle
This is according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre’s (SABRIC) 2022 Annual Crime Statistics Report released in October 2023, digital banking fraud increased by a shocking 36% in 2022. The document showed that criminals are getting better at accessing sensitive and confidential information, using methods such as social engineering, phishing, or vishing.
Important Terms to Know: Phishing, Vishing, and Smishing
Scammers use a variety of sly techniques to gain access to your data. You must take note of these below so that you can stay financially savvy in Gauteng and recognise fraudulent activity before it is too late:
Phishing: Fraudulent e-mails and websites meant to steal data.
Vishing: Fraudulent phone calls that induce you to reveal personal information.
Smishing: Fraudulent text messages meant to trick you into revealing data.
Stay Financially Savvy in Gauteng: Be Alert with Online Payments
1. Secure Transactions:
Always use trusted websites for your online shopping. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol indicating a secure connection.
2. Strong Passwords:
Use complex and unique passwords for each online account (try using a sentence as a password). Consider a password manager to keep track.
3. Monitor Bank Statements:
Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions.
4. Beware of Phishing:
Do not click on links from unknown sources. Scammers often use fake emails and SMS to steal personal information.
5. Use Trusted Payment Methods:
Choose secure payment options like EFTs or trusted payment gateways.
ATM Scams: A Hidden Danger
Stay financially savvy in Gauteng at ATMs:
1. ATM Awareness:
Be cautious at ATMs. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN and watch out for any unusual devices attached to the machine.
2. Check Your Card:
Always ensure the card returned to you after a transaction is indeed yours.
3. Report Suspicious Activity:
If an ATM looks tampered with, do not use it. Rather, report it to the bank immediately.
Banknote Fraud: Do Not Get Fooled!
Stay financially savvy in Gauteng while using banknotes:
1. Know Your Notes:
Familiarize yourself with the security features of South African banknotes.
2. Check the Feel:
Genuine notes have a unique texture. Counterfeit notes often feel different.
3. Look for Watermarks:
Hold the note up to the light and look for the watermark. It should match the image on the note.
4. Verify with a UV Light:
Many businesses have UV lights to check the authenticity of notes. Where you can, encourage the use of such devices.
5. Be Wary of Large Transactions:
Be extra cautious with large cash transactions, especially in busy environments.
Conclusion
Stay financially savvy in Gauteng and be vigilant so that you can enjoy a safe and scam-free festive season. By being aware of the risks and knowing how to avoid them, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the #GPLifestyle and the festive cheer that #GautengMeansBusiness. Remember, if you encounter any suspicious financial activity, report it to the authorities immediately.
Stay safe and enjoy your festive season!
If you need ideas on where to get a delicious Christmas lunch in Gauteng, here is an article that suggests 6 amazing restaurants to try.
