Be on the lookout for cybercrime scams
By Surihe Gaomas-Guchu
Standard Bank’s PR and Communications Manager
It is often said that if something seems too good to be true, it is. This sentiment is most applicable in the world of cybercrime, especially in times like these when there are a lot of special occasions which cyber criminals can use as leverage to reel you in and defraud you.
This is the time of year when there are a lot of special occasions in succession, occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day etc. With that comes prize giveaways from reputable organisations, however cyber criminals also use that as a gateway to try to insert malware on your devices by sending you emails with infected content such as links and attachments.
It is hard to keep up with all the scams that criminals come up with, however it is easier for you if you know what to look out for so you do not fall victim to scams.
If you win a prize and you have not entered a competition then it is a scam, the same goes for when you are requested to provide money upfront for whatever reason before the proposed transaction can take place or you are requested to confirm personal or account details via a hyperlink, icon or attachment in an email or telephonically.
Cyber criminals often entice people to click on links; attachments or images by using appealing deals or offers. Once people click on these links/attachments, it triggers malicious software which may clients’ valuable information.
If you do receive a suspicious mail, report it to: mymailsecurity@standardbank.co.za and remember, always think before you click.
