While most people are alert to \u2018phishing\u2019 scams, South Africa is still the second most targeted country in the world for internet fraud and phishing attacks.<\/p>\n
In 2013, South Africans lost over R2.2 billion according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).<\/p>\n
According to Rudolph Lamprecht, chairman of the leading cybercrime warranty, Phishield: \u201cThe cyber-criminal is practiced in the art of sending out bogus emails and pop-ups that seem safe. They cleverly design them for you take the bait.<\/p>\n
“When you \u2018click\u2019 you\u2019re already biting at the hook. Now the pressure is on you – and your computer may have already been infected by a virus.”<\/p>\n
Phishield said that by recognising \u2018pick up\u2019 lines in the first place, you could be saving yourself a lot of heartache and trouble.<\/p>\n
It notes however, that its easier said than done, with 19% of South African online banking users becoming victims of online fraud and phishing attacks where financial losses occurred.<\/p>\n
Cyber criminals use certain e-mail subject lines more often than others to acquire usernames, credit card details and passwords.<\/p>\n
A list of the top \u2018pick up\u2019 lines according to Phishield:<\/p>\n
\u201cPhishing attacks are simple scams that produce results for cyber criminals. Whilst you should always take every protection against them – it\u2019s still practically impossible to protect yourself against every scam,” Lamprecht said.<\/p>\n
Internet fraud and phishing costs SA R2.2 billion<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Card fraud shocker in South Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n