YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
Credit card scams are an escalating concern in South Africa, where sophisticated fraud methods have led to significant financial losses. In 2023 alone, South Africans lost over R764 million to card-not-present (CNP) fraud,
which constituted 68% of all card fraud incidents. This form of fraud, often perpetrated online,
has seen an 18% increase from the previous year, driven by the rise in digital transactions and online shopping.
Scammers employ tactics like phishing, vishing, and SIM-swap fraud to steal sensitive information, leaving victims vulnerable. With such staggering figures, understanding these scams and adopting preventative measures
is essential to safeguarding your finances and personal information.
MODUS OPERANDI:
PHISHING AND VISHING:
Scammers use fake emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick you into revealing personal or financial information.
They request your PIN, CVV, or other sensitive data via email or SMS.
CARD CLONING:
Once card details are stolen, scammers use the information to create duplicate cards for fraudulent transactions.
ONLINE FRAUD:
Criminals use stolen card details to make online purchases.
The scammers create fake websites with unsecured online payment portals or too-good-to-be-true deals.
CARD SWAPPING:
At ATMs or crowded places, scammers distract victims and swap their cards with a similar-looking one.
The criminals will stand too close to trusting individuals at an ATM, offering help whilst others might create a diversion.
OVER-THE-PHONE SCAMS:
Scammers pose as bank officials, asking for card details under the guise of fraud prevention.
They would call, offer help and ask for your card number, PIN, or OTP (One-Time Password).
SIM-SWAP FRAUD:
Criminals hijack your phone number by convincing your network provider to issue a new SIM card.
This enables them to intercept OTPs (one-time passwords).
This is evident when you notice a sudden signal loss on your phone.
CARD-NOT-PRESENT (CNP) FRAUD:
This occurs during online transactions where physical card verification is not required.
Scammers use stolen card details to make unauthorised purchases.
SKIMMING:
A device is placed on ATMs, card readers, or payment terminals to steal card data during legitimate transactions.
Scammers attach hidden skimming devices to ATMs, usually over the card slot, which reads and stores your card details.
In some cases, a tiny camera or overlay is also placed above the keypad to record your PIN.
Look for loose or unusually bulky card slots, any plastic covering the card entry, or other unfamiliar parts of the machine.
SOCIAL ENGINEERING:
Scammers manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information by exploiting trust or creating urgency (e.g., pretending to be a bank official or posing as a distressed family member).
FAKE PAYMENT TERMINALS OR POINT-OF-SALE FRAUD:
Fraudulent card readers are used to collect card information during legitimate purchases.
DATA BREACHES AND CREDENTIAL STUFFING:
Criminals exploit compromised databases to gain access to card details or online accounts.
PUBLIC WI-FI NETWORKS (FOR ONLINE SKIMMING):
Though not a physical skimmer, cybercriminals can intercept your card data via unsecured Wi-Fi networks when you make online purchases or log into banking apps.
PREVENTING CREDIT CARD SCAMS:
SECURE YOUR CARD INFORMATION:
Never share your PIN or CVV with anyone, including over the phone.
Memorise your PIN; do not write it down.
BE VIGILANT AT ATMs:
Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas.
Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
Check for tampering on the card slot or keypad.
MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS:
Regularly check bank statements and transaction alerts.
Report any unauthorised transactions to your bank immediately.
USE SECURE ONLINE PLATFORMS:
Ensure websites use secure connections (look for “https://” in the URL).
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking or purchases.
ENABLE EXTRA SECURITY FEATURES:
Activate SMS or email notifications for transactions.
Use two-factor authentication (e.g., OTPs) for online payments.
BE SCEPTICAL OF UNSOLICITED CONTACT:
Verify the identity of callers claiming to be from your bank by contacting the bank directly.
Do not click on suspicious links in emails or SMS messages.
AVOID RETAIL POINT-OF-SALE (POS) TERMINALS:
Avoid using POS devices that appear tampered with.
Request to process transactions in your presence.
AVOID USING PUBLIC WI-FI:
Always use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi.
SECURE PAYMENT METHODS:
Use virtual or prepaid cards and generate virtual card numbers for one-time online transactions to limit exposure to your actual card details.
Keep physical cards secure and report any loss immediately.
INFORM YOUR BANK IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF CREDIT CARD FRAUD:
Notify your bank of suspicious activity as soon as possible.
Most banks in South Africa provide 24/7 fraud hotlines.
Some banks offer advanced security tools like biometric verification and card-locking features.
SSS continues to combat credit card scams by sharing information, promoting vigilance,
and advocating for stricter enforcement of cybercrime laws.
Always prioritise security when handling your finances.
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:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
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
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
Comments