Shopping mall warning for South Africa
Banks and other experts have warned South Africans that shopping malls remain a prime hunting ground for criminals looking to target customers and ATMs or steal their smartphones to access data and banking apps.
Shopping malls in South Africa have become prime targets for criminals, as several factors create an ideal environment for illegal activities.
The high foot traffic in malls means a greater number of potential victims, providing criminals with ample opportunities.
The busy atmosphere often leads to distractions, making it easier for thieves to pickpocket or snatch valuables without being immediately noticed.
Additionally, the layout of malls, with multiple exits and crowded areas, facilitates quick getaways for criminals.
This, combined with often inadequate security presence or delayed response times, makes shopping malls an appealing target for those looking to exploit the concentration of wealth and technology found within their walls.
ATMs located within these malls are particularly vulnerable.
Discovery Bank has warned South Africans about criminals targeting customers at ATMs, especially those in shopping malls.
The bank alerted its clients about the latest scams being used by criminals and their targets.
The alert mentioned a significant increase in ATM fraud and explained that fraudsters steal cards or card data from ATMs.
Discovery Bank cautioned customers about card swapping and card skimming at ATMs.
Card swapping happens when fraudsters watch you enter your PIN at the ATM and distract you while swapping your card with another.
This results in you unwittingly leaving with someone else’s card, allowing the fraudster to withdraw funds from your account or use the card in stores.
On the other hand, card skimming involves fraudsters tampering with ATMs to obtain card details.
They may offer to help you at the ATM before using a handheld device to skim your card or swap it for a dummy card.
Discovery Bank advises you to reject assistance at ATMs, inspect ATMs before use, always safeguard your PIN, and be mindful of your surroundings before entering your PIN.
Smartphones are a target
Investec Private Bank and the Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) have both observed a troubling increase in criminals targeting smartphones to gain access to sensitive data and banking apps.
According to SAFPS spokesperson Manie van Schlkwyk, mobile phone thefts have been on the rise, with criminals specifically focusing on exploiting banking apps.
These criminals are managing to gain access to bank accounts by using stolen smartphones and the associated banking apps.
Kevin Hogan, the head of fraud risk at Investec Private Bank, also highlighted this issue, emphasising the existence of organised syndicates dedicated to this form of crime.
These syndicates use hacking technology originally developed to assist law enforcement in gaining access to locked phones.
Hogan explained that once the criminal syndicate has possession of the physical phone, they can use hardware to unlock it and access all the data, including banking app passwords.
Additionally, Hogan noted that passwords are often stored on the keychain, a password manager that stores sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers.
This stealing of mobile phones is one area among a growing trend of targeting smartphones for sensitive information.
Based on the latest Interpol report, South Africa ranks third worldwide in cyber threats, with the highest number of recorded fraudulent cases (59%) in Gauteng, followed by Kwa-Zulu Natal at 18%.
According to cybersecurity company Kaspersky, the number of mobile threats detected in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region increased by 22% from 2022 to 2023, with South Africa experiencing a 104% increase.
These statistics are based on Kaspersky’s products on Android devices, as monitoring Apple devices is more challenging due to OS specifications.
However, Kaspersky identified mobile banking trojans as the most prevalent mobile threats.
These trojans are capable of stealing data, adding unwanted subscriptions, and extorting money from victims.
Looking ahead to 2024, Kaspersky anticipates an increase in advanced attacks on mobile devices, as attackers continue to develop more sophisticated malware and new ways to deliver it.
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