Wednesday, 19 August 2026 💡 Good Habit

Phone & SMS Scams: A Safety Reminder

A few good habits worth keeping close by when it comes to phone & sms scams.

Why this matters

Today's brief is a general reminder rather than a single news story — good habits around phone & sms scams protect you every day, not just when something goes wrong.

How to do it

SARS will never phone you about a refund or ask for your banking details over the phone. They only communicate by official letter or through their website.

Quick recap

• SARS will never phone you about a refund or ask for your banking details over the phone. They only communicate by official letter or through their website.
• If a stranger calls asking for personal information: hang up, don't share any details, call the company back on a number you already know is correct, and ask a family member if you're unsure.
• Scammers often call about "urgent" bank problems on weekends when banks are closed. It can wait until Monday — real emergencies don't come through cold calls.

Source: OAC Cyber Safety Brief — Tips & Tricks