Tips & Tricks
Good habits worth keeping close by. These don't change day to day like the morning brief does — read them whenever you'd like a refresher, or share them with someone who could use one.
☎️ Phone & SMS Scams
- Banks will never ask for your PIN or password over the phone. If someone calls claiming to be your bank, hang up and call the number printed on your card.
- "You've won a prize — just pay a small fee first" is always a scam. Real prizes never ask you to pay anything upfront.
- If a call says a family member is in trouble and needs money urgently, hang up and call that family member directly yourself before doing anything.
- 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.
💻 Digital & Online Safety
- Use a different password for each account — don't use the same one for online banking and social media.
- A memorable phrase with a number and symbol added makes a strong password. Never share it with anyone, even someone who says they're from your bank.
- Only do online banking through your bank's official app or verified website — never over public WiFi at a shop or restaurant.
- Keep your phone's software updated. Those update notifications help protect you — ask a family member to help if you're not sure how.
- Before entering card details on a website, check for the small lock symbol next to the address — it's a sign the page is secure.
- Delete emails or messages that ask you to "click here" or "confirm your details." Real companies don't request personal information this way.
🏠 Home & Personal Safety
- Always check who's at the door before opening it — use a peephole or window first.
- If someone claims to be from Eskom, the municipality, or a similar service, ask for ID and call the office directly to confirm before letting them in.
- Close your curtains at night and keep valuables out of view from outside.
- Joining a neighbourhood watch or a trusted community WhatsApp group means there's safety — and shared information — in numbers.
- When going out, tell someone where you're headed and when you'll be back. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave.
💳 Financial Protection
- Always cover your PIN with your hand when typing it at an ATM or in a shop.
- Where possible, use an ATM inside a bank branch rather than a street ATM.
- Check your bank statements every month and set up SMS alerts for transactions, so anything unusual is easy to spot.
- Consider asking a trusted family member to help keep an eye on your accounts — two pairs of eyes catch more than one.
- Keep key numbers saved in your phone: Police 10111, Medical 10177, your bank's fraud line, your doctor, and a family member.
✅ The Golden Rule
- When in doubt: Stop. Think. Verify. Ask for help. You're never alone in this — stay connected with family and your community.