Cyber Sense Ep. 17 - What to do if you have been scammed?
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Your 5-Step Action Plan:
CALL YOUR BANK IMMEDIATELY. Use the 24/7 fraud number on the back of your bank card. Freeze accounts, stop payments, reverse transactions. Every minute counts.
GATHER EVIDENCE. Screenshot messages, save numbers, note dates and times. This helps banks, police, and platforms investigate.
REPORT IT OFFICIALLY.
SAPS: Report at saps.gov.za or your local police station.
SMS Scams: Forward the SMS to 7726 (free).
WhatsApp: Report the account within the app.
Facebook/Instagram: Report the profile or ad.
WARN YOUR COMMUNITY. Tell your WhatsApp groups, neighbourhood watch, and family. Sharing the scammer's script protects others from falling for the same trick.
SECURE YOUR ACCOUNTS. Change passwords. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication everywhere. Consider a credit bureau alert with TransUnion or Experian if your ID was used.
Important South African Resources:
SAPS Cyber Crimes Centre: saps.gov.za
SA Fraud Prevention Service: 011 867 2234
Your Bank's Fraud Hotline: Find it on your bank card NOW, before you need it.
Bottom Line: Shame protects scammers. Action protects you and your community.
CALL YOUR BANK IMMEDIATELY. Use the 24/7 fraud number on the back of your bank card. Freeze accounts, stop payments, reverse transactions. Every minute counts.
GATHER EVIDENCE. Screenshot messages, save numbers, note dates and times. This helps banks, police, and platforms investigate.
REPORT IT OFFICIALLY.
SAPS: Report at saps.gov.za or your local police station.
SMS Scams: Forward the SMS to 7726 (free).
WhatsApp: Report the account within the app.
Facebook/Instagram: Report the profile or ad.
WARN YOUR COMMUNITY. Tell your WhatsApp groups, neighbourhood watch, and family. Sharing the scammer's script protects others from falling for the same trick.
SECURE YOUR ACCOUNTS. Change passwords. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication everywhere. Consider a credit bureau alert with TransUnion or Experian if your ID was used.
Important South African Resources:
SAPS Cyber Crimes Centre: saps.gov.za
SA Fraud Prevention Service: 011 867 2234
Your Bank's Fraud Hotline: Find it on your bank card NOW, before you need it.
Bottom Line: Shame protects scammers. Action protects you and your community.
