Cyber Sense Ep. 18 - What to do if your phone has been stolen

Every second counts. Here's your emergency action plan for South Africa.

Your 7-Step Emergency Plan:

BORROW A PHONE IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait. Act now.

CALL YOUR BANK'S FRAUD HOTLINE. Block banking apps. Stop transactions. This is your top priority.

CALL YOUR NETWORK PROVIDER. Tell them to block your SIM immediately. Without your number, thieves can't get SMS codes to reset your passwords.

Vodacom: 082 111

MTN: 083 123

Cell C: 084 140

Telkom: 081 160

SECURE YOUR WHATSAPP. Get a replacement SIM with your same number ASAP and reinstall WhatsApp. If locked out, email support@whatsapp.com with proof of your number.

REMOTELY WIPE YOUR PHONE. Use android.com/find (Android) or icloud.com/find (Apple) on a computer to lock or erase your device.

CHANGE CRITICAL PASSWORDS. Email, social media, banking—anything that was on that phone.

OPEN A POLICE CASE. Visit SAPS for a case number. Needed for insurance claims.

Write These Down NOW:

Your bank's fraud hotline: __________________

Your network provider's emergency line: __________________

Your SIM card number: __________________

Bottom Line: Panic wastes time. A plan protects everything.

Stay safe out there!
- Declan Hardie, Impact 103