Time to unwind, and relax... Unfortunately, criminals do not go on holiday, and people are especially vulnerable to fall for crimes during this time. We agree with Kalyani Pillay, CEO of SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre): " Criminals are always looking for opportunities to defraud their victims, particularly at this time of year.."

Here is a comprehensive list of helpful tips from SABRIC, to help people stay safe during the festive season:

• Verify all requests for personal information and only provide it when there is a legitimate reason to do so.
• Don’t disclose personal information such as passwords and PINs when asked to do so by anyone via telephone, fax or even email.
• Don't use any Personal Identifiable Information (PII) as a password, user ID or personal identification number (PIN).
• Keep PIN numbers and passwords confidential.
• Don’t carry unnecessary personal information in your wallet or purse.
• When destroying personal information, either shred or burn it (do not tear or put it in a garbage or recycling bag).
• Always assume that any Wi-Fi network you are using, especially those in public areas, may be compromised.
• Check to see if your router has any pending firmware updates by logging into the admin page and install any waiting updates.
• Don’t use internet cafes or unsecured terminals (hotels, conference centers etc.) to do your banking.
• Change your password regularly and never share these with anyone else.
• Store personal and financial documentation safely. Always lock these away.
• To prevent your ID being used to commit fraud if it is ever lost or stolen, alert the SA Fraud Prevention Service immediately on 0860 101 248 or at www.safps.org.za.
• Ensure that you have a robust firewall and install antivirus software to prevent a computer virus sending out personal information from your computer.
• Ensure that apps you are using have end-to-end encryption.
• When using Wi-Fi, even if password protected, best to only connect to websites that use HTTPS encryption. Ensure that you are connected via HTTPS - your browser must show a little lock in the address bar which says "secure“.
• Make use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection, but ensure you get this from a reliable supplier.
  
  

Article courtesy of phishield, special risk underwriters who offer an amazing product called “Funds Protect”.

To know more about how to protect your funds against on line crime, contact our offices on 031-5021922 or visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za