COVID-19, a global pandemic with a ruthless nature, on its own, deemed not morbid enough for our society. As a people and a society, we are compelled to deal with criminal behaviour on top of the pandemic’s blaze. Crime is always lurking, no matter our reality.
History dictates that criminality often peaks during periods of excessive confusion. On top of that it never lacks behind innovation and advancement. Combined these ironies paint a picture of gross heartlessness and enviable ability. Indeed, they are.
None of us therefore have the luxury to reduce or discharge our guard during these times.
Interesting enough South Africa’s rating for violent crime is not quite the same as our rating for sophisticated crimes, such as online scams, etc. It is indeed these types of “newer” and “softer” crimes that are prevailing during the current pandemic.
Society has adjusted its social patterns to protect itself against the attacks of COVID-19. More people work from home, online schooling has changed, etc. This means that the criminal must use the most common tool he has to find his/her next target. That tool is undoubtedly, the Internet.
The world-wide need for convenience has undoubtedly increased substantially. Nobody wants to risk their lives by standing in a consumer line. We are enticed by brands to invest our buck at a whim. Our children place crazy pressure on us to buy the next “tool and toy” for their recreation. All of this, while the criminal is calling, waiting, lurking and then they attack!!
People lose their pensions through fallacious investments; cars are bought, only to never be delivered; credit cards details travel between illicit parties; digital platforms and profiles are cloned and used to facilitate illegal transactions; etc. The list of online crimes is endless.
“Hackers and cyber scammers are taking advantage of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic by sending fraudulent emails and WhatsApp messages that attempt to trick you into clicking on malicious links or opening attachments.” According to the World Health Organization.
You are not safe. Your may be in your home, but your assets and money are vulnerable.
In fact, you cannot take for granted that you are engaging an unknown or known, brand, displayed on your screen, a profile, or product; when you engage with the Internet.
I advise our clients to thoroughly check their online preferences out before they bestow them with precious trust. I further encourage people to apply a creator and approver approach on all their purchases. I am not saying get “real” approval but get a second opinion from someone else in the house.
Believe me, you can never get tired of seeking assurance and comfort for your intended online transactions.
Here are some safety tips for your consideration:
- never reply to requests for your username or password.
- never open email attachments you did not ask for.
- be careful of online gambling.
- do not pay invalidated deposit requests.
- do not purchase assets online, without ensuring their validity.
- categorise items that you want to buy online, and enlist secure and trustworthy vendors.
- validate all new vendors.
- be careful with online dating.
- online Forex trading “agents” are extremely dangerous.
The list goes on and on…
It is not the length of the risks that should concern you, it is the process that you adopt in your online and purchasing behaviours. Naivety, lack of structure and process are your greatest risks. Online crime is real and ever present.
It almost sounds like I am saying you must become like a stone cold business. Not at all. What I am saying is that you protect yourself and your family against lurking, ever present criminals, by being conscious of online purchases and engagement.
Managing Director - Glen Matome Segwapa
