It’s that time of year again and the shopping malls are at it again. We are all anticipating how much cash we’re going to save and they’re laughing because they know it's not really a saving at all.
Black Friday deals not being deals has been covered before, but this time we need to look at something a bit more sinister. A retailer encouraging us to spend a bit extra this November is one thing, but what about the ones who engineer situations and scams to part us from our hard-earned cash and we actually get nothing in return?
They are the criminal element that come out to play when the festive season kicks off and everyone has that feeling like maybe they want to spend some money.
These criminals know exactly how rough the year has been and they also know that we have this desire to spoil ourselves when it’s Sale Season, so they come up with loads of different ways to convince us to give them our money.
We have put together this list of common scams and the best way to use our AI Lawyer to protect yourself against anything that might try to ask for personal details or actual money.
WhatsApp and Social Media
These are especially common since the rise of social media, but can be easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for.
Baiting scams: If users are offered something of value, such as a gift, discount or prize, in exchange for personal information or actions, such as clicking on a link or downloading a file, this is a baiting scam.
Fake job offers: Scammers send messages claiming to offer job opportunities and ask users to pay a fee or provide personal information to secure the job. Please be extra careful with these, if you are hunting for a job and get a message out of the blue that seems to be perfect for you, rather search the company they are proposing to be from and call them directly to find out about any positions they are trying to fill.
Investment scams: Scammers send messages offering high returns on investment and ask users to transfer money to fraudulent accounts. This is the latest form of an ancient scam, it’s been around for decades!
Phishing scams: Fraudsters send messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, like a WhatsApp business account of a retailer, insurer or bank, and ask the victim to click on a link or provide personal information. This allows a nasty string of code onto your device which can be used to steal information or interfere with the processes on your phone or machine.
Pretexting scams: Scammers spin a false narrative or use a pretext to gain the victim’s trust, such as pretending to be a customer service representative or a co-worker and then asking for sensitive information.
Scareware scams: Attackers create a sense of urgency or fear to manipulate the victim into taking immediate action, such as downloading fake antivirus software or paying a ransom to avoid legal consequences.
We saved the worst for last:
Romance scams: Con artists create fake profiles on WhatsApp and other dating apps to establish relationships with users and then ask for money or personal information.
SARS
Tax season for non-provisional taxpayers has only just closed, but that doesn't mean the tax-scammers are not out to try their luck.
The scammers pretend to be from SARS or another tax practitioner, and will call or send a message saying there has been a payment made into the wrong account, can you please give them all your details so they can ensure the money comes to you. Most people in SA are not in a position to turn down money, so our optimism gets the better of us and we give them our details. As terrible as it is, never believe these messages.
SARS will NEVER ask for your banking details or for your passwords over an SMS or the phone. If that’s what you hear, you need to end the call.
Banking
Fake emails from the bank are a very successful way to create panic and part individuals from their hard-earned wages.
The easiest way to check if the communication really is from your bank, is the address should be the domain of your bank. If it’s coming from "yourbank@hotmail.co.etc", then you know it’s probably not from your actual bank. ALL the banks in SA have their own domains which means that you will see the name of your bank AFTER the @ and BEFORE the .co.za in an email address.
Ever wanted to just ask a sender if they were trying to scam you? You can ask our AI Lawyer! If someone you don’t know is asking for personal info, you can tell our AI Lawyer what they’re asking, and it will be able to give you a good idea of how cautious you need to be.
If you asked "Someone is asking for my banking details because I won a Black Friday competition, what should I do?" My AI Lawyer will suggest things like:
If someone is asking for your banking details because they claim you have won money, it is important to exercise caution and be sceptical. Scammers often use tactics like this to obtain personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes. Here's what you should do:
1. Verify the source: Before providing any personal or banking information, verify the legitimacy of the person or organization contacting you. Research their name, contact details, and any associated websites or social media profiles. Look for reviews or reports of scams related to their name or offer.
2. Be cautious of unsolicited communications: If you did not enter a legitimate contest or lottery, receiving an unexpected message or call claiming you have won money is a red flag. Legitimate organizations typically do not contact winners out of the blue. Be wary of unsolicited communications, especially if they ask for personal or financial information.
3. Never share sensitive information: Do not provide your banking details, social security number, or any other sensitive information to anyone you do not trust or cannot verify. Your banking details should be kept confidential and only shared with trusted and reputable entities.
4. Report suspicious activity: If you suspect that you are being targeted by a scammer, report the incident to your local authorities and the relevant fraud reporting agencies. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
5. Consult with a legal consultant: If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the situation or need guidance on how to handle the situation, it is advisable to consult with a legal consultant from Legal & Tax. They can provide you with personalized advice based on the specific circumstances and help you protect your interests.
Legal & Tax Advice: It is crucial to be cautious when someone asks for your banking details, especially if it is related to a supposed prize or winnings. Never provide your banking details or any other sensitive information without verifying the legitimacy of the source. If you have concerns or need assistance, consult with a legal consultant from Legal & Tax who can guide you through the process and help protect your interests.
Be vigilant: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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