STAY SAVVY

We’ve become so used to sharing the details of our lives online that we often don’t realise that it may come back to haunt us. Here’s how to keep your personal info out of the wrong hands.

Don’t become a victim of identity fraud – here’s how

There was a time when we didn’t trust anyone with our personal information. But nowadays, it seems, we’re not nearly as cautious with our details: we often give out important information with little thought as to how it could be used. Or rather, abused. So why is it so important to protect your personal information? Well, by gaining enough information, someone could easily impersonate you and try to gain access to your bank accounts; defraud your insurance, medical aid or unemployment fund; or even empty your bank accounts. That is why you alone should be privy to confidential information like your passwords. Your ID, passport, driver’s licence, salary slips, municipal bills and bank statements all contain valuable information which can be used to steal your identity and defraud you. Although obstacles have been created to prevent criminals from gaining access to your information, they constantly come up with creative new ways to get around safeguards. Often, scammers pretend to be a trusted source, like your bank, and ask you for personal information such as passwords, ID numbers and bank card details. Though ‘phishing’ and ‘smishing’ (fishing for info via SMS) may be familiar to you already, fraudsters are nothing

if not persistent, and have also started doing something called ‘vishing’. Also known as voice phishing, this is when a fraudster calls you, posing as someone from your bank or service provider, and manipulates you into sharing your confidential information.

You should treat your personal documentation and information the same way you would your money or valuables: keep them in a safe place, one not easily accessed.

Ultimately, you are the only one who can protect your personal and confidential information. It’s time we all take responsibility and wise up! Here are some tips to help you safeguard your personal information: