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Scammers in South Africa are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal airtime and data,
exploiting technological vulnerabilities and human psychology.
These tactics not only lead to financial loss but also compromise personal security.
Understanding their strategies and adopting preventive measures can help protect
yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims.
METHODS USED:
PHISHING SMS AND CALLS:
Scammers pose as representatives of mobile network operators, banks, or other trusted entities, sending messages or making calls designed to steal sensitive information.
Victims are often lured into clicking fake website links or revealing PINs and One-Time Passwords (OTPs), enabling scammers to access their accounts.
FAKE COMPETITIONS AND SURVEYS:
Fraudulent offers promising free airtime or data in exchange for completing surveys or participating in competitions are designed to harvest personal information or install malware on devices.
MALWARE AND SPYWARE:
Malicious apps or websites can secretly install software on your device, draining airtime and data without your knowledge.
These apps often disguise themselves as legitimate tools, making them difficult to identify.
SOCIAL ENGINEERING:
Using psychological manipulation, scammers create a sense of urgency or appeal to emotions to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their accounts.
SIM SWAPPING:
Criminals impersonate victims and deceive mobile network providers into transferring phone numbers to SIM cards under their control.
This enables them to intercept calls and SMS messages and even gain access to online accounts linked to the number.
WHAT HAPPENS TO STOLEN AIRTIME AND DATA:
BLACK MARKET SALES:
Stolen airtime and data are often sold to other criminals or individuals for cash, fuelling further illegal activities.
FACILITATING OTHER SCAMS:
Scammers use stolen data to execute more complex schemes, targeting the same victim or new ones.
INTERNATIONAL CALLS:
Stolen airtime is frequently used to make expensive international calls, further increasing the financial damage.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM AIRTIME AND DATA SCAMS:
BEWARE OF UNSOLICITED MESSAGES AND CALLS:
Never click on links from unknown senders or share personal information over the phone. Independently verify the legitimacy of any request.
DOWNLOAD APPS ONLY FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES:
Avoid unofficial app stores, as these often host malicious apps designed to steal airtime or data.
USE STRONG, UNIQUE PASSWORDS:
Create complex passwords for your accounts and avoid reusing them.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY:
Notify your mobile network provider and the relevant authorities if you suspect you have been targeted or compromised.
STAY EDUCATED AND INFORMED:
Learn about the latest scam tactics and share this knowledge with family and friends to create a more informed community.
BE WARY OF UNREALISTIC OFFERS:
Remember, legitimate companies rarely offer extravagant prizes or rewards for minimal effort. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNT ACTIVITY:
Regularly review your airtime and data usage for any unauthorised transactions or unusual patterns.
The rising sophistication of scams targeting airtime and data highlights the need for constant vigilance.
By staying informed and implementing these protective measures,
South Africans can minimise risk and safeguard their resources against fraudsters.
Remember: Knowledge is your best defence.
Protect your airtime, your data, and your peace of mind by staying one step ahead of the scammers.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
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4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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