With Black Friday around the corner and the festive season also just a few weeks away, there’s usually a rise in online scams. Here’s what to look-out for so you can avoid falling victim to those scams.
Be sceptical of bargains: If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Compare prices on official retailer sites.
Verify websites: Check for the padlock icon and https:// in the URL, and watch for small spelling errors.
Type, don’t click: Type retailer web addresses into your browser instead of clicking on links in emails, ads or messages.
Use secure payment methods for online shopping: Pay with your RCS store card or a virtual credit card rather than EFTs, and avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
Protect your details: Never share your PIN, CVV or OTP with anyone. Legitimate institutions will never ask for them. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Shop smart online: Don’t save your card details on e-commerce sites. Use virtual cards with rotating CVVs if your bank offers them.
Watch for social engineering: Be cautious of urgent or unexpected messages, including delivery notifications or QR codes.
Use your bank’s security tools: Set lower transaction limits to reduce potential losses.
Stay secure: Avoid public Wi-Fi unless you have a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) that you can log on to when shopping online, and keep your devices and software updated.
Check your statements: Monitor accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately. Review purchases within 48 hours to spot any irregularities early.
Enable alerts: RCS customers automatically receive instant transaction notifications; check these regularly to confirm activity.
Fewer accounts mean fewer risks: The more credit or retail accounts you have open, the more exposed you are to potential fraud. Simplifying your financial footprint reduces that risk.
Sowetan
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