As the digital landscape in South Africa evolves, online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant risks to individuals and businesses alike.
Here are ten prevalent scams to watch out for in 2024:
- Deepfake Impersonation Scams: Scammers use AI to create realistic fake videos or audio clips, often impersonating CEOs or family members to trick victims into transferring money.
- Investment Scams: Fraudulent investment schemes promise high returns. Always verify the legitimacy of the investment platform.
- Charity Scams: Fake charities solicit donations, especially during crises. Verify charities through reputable databases.
- Coronavirus Scams: Scammers exploit COVID-19 fears with fake testing kits, vaccines, or treatments, and phishing websites.
- Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support, claiming to fix non-existent issues and gaining remote access to your devices.
- Social Media Scams: These include fake quizzes and fraudulent friend requests that lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.
- Robocall Scams: Automated calls pretending to be from government agencies or companies, requesting personal information or payments.
- Online Shopping Scams: Fake online stores that take payment but never deliver products. Always shop from reputable websites.
- Rental Scams: Fraudsters post fake rental listings to collect deposits or personal information.
- Lottery Scams: Unsolicited messages claiming you’ve won a lottery you never entered, requesting payment for processing fees.
Staying vigilant and verifying the authenticity of online interactions can help you avoid these scams.
Also read: Valentine’s Day Romance Scams: Don’t Let The Promise Of Love Cost You Dearly
Online dating in South Africa is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a growing number of individuals seeking connections and companionship on digital platforms. As more people venture into the virtual realm, a surge of insidious scammers has also emerged, preying on the desire for connection and turning the quest for love into a dangerous game of financial deception.
Valentine’s Day, one of the most popular days for love, brings with it not only the promise of love but also the threat of romance scams. Fraudsters use romance scams to exploit individuals emotionally and financially, often resulting in heartbreaking consequences.
The Online Dating market in South Africa is predicted to witness a substantial growth in the number of users and revenue. Statista reported that online dating revenue will reach US$23.80 million (over R450 million) in 2024 and online dating sites will have 6.7 million users by 2028.
Also read: How To Spot A Fake Job Offer On LinkedIn
With over 61 million job applications submitted on LinkedIn each week, the risk of falling victim to fake job offers on the platform has skyrocketed. Amidst all the legitimate job opportunities, there are a growing number of fake job offers designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting candidates. These fraudulent postings can lead to identity theft, financial scams, or even exposure to cyber threats.
Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, reveals the signs of fake job offers to watch out for and offers tips to safeguard yourself.
Unrealistic Job Descriptions
‘One of the first indicators of a fake job offer is an overly vague or unrealistic job description,’ Trevor says. ‘Scammers often use generic language or promise unrealistic perks to lure in candidates. Be wary of job postings that guarantee high salaries or rapid career advancement with minimal qualifications.’
Example: A job posting for an entry-level position that offers an unusually high salary and extravagant perks without requiring any relevant experience is likely fraudulent.
