How criminals use your phone for crime

THE SA Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) has warned of an emerging trend where criminals are using information from stolen mobile devices to commit crimes.

It said despite the benefits of technology, people need to be vigilant because cellphones store “far more information than you may be aware of”.

“The theft of mobile phones is not a new phenomenon. However, Sabric is seeing an emerging trend where mobile phones that are being snatched from owners, are affording criminals the opportunity to gain access to the victim’s personal and even confidential information which can then be used to commit crime.

“Mobile phones make it possible to access vast stores of online information and can provide hours of entertainment,” it said.

Sabric acting chief executive Susan Potgieter said when a bank client’s cellphone was stolen, they tended to focus on protecting their photos and social media profiles.

However, their highest priority should be protecting their money.

“Personal information is a valuable commodity for criminals and because so much of it is on our phones, we need to take mobile security very seriously,” Potgieter said.

Sabric advised that should your cellphone be lost or stolen, you should borrow a phone and contact your bank immediately so that they can deactivate your banking app, block cards on other apps containing your bank card details, and block your bank account.

“Make sure you always have your bank’s hotline number stored somewhere other than on your cellphone. If you have activated the ‘Find My iPhone’ or ‘Find my Device’ facility from the web to locate or wipe your device, be aware that fraudsters may attempt to Vish or Phish you. If you receive an email or SMS after doing this, don’t click on any links as these are not safe,” Sabric said.