Consumers urged to be wary of online scams over festive season

Consumers urged to be wary of online scams over festive season

With the festive season and Black Friday approaching, consumers are being asked to remain vigilant when shopping online.

Consumers urged to be wary of online scams over festive season

Concerns are growing over cybercrime attacks, which experts say have been on the rise in recent years.  

With Christmas around the corner, many consumers will be transacting online to take advantage of special offers.

Kallie Cilliers, who is the director of Commercial Risk Services at IntegriSure Brokers, warns cyber criminals are getting more innovative.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the country loses over R2 billion annually to cybercrime. Some 33% of local users fell victim to online attacks.

"The most important one, and the most often used one, is phishing attacks that come in the form of emails, and I think that's the biggest one currently, and it goes with throughout the year. 

So, for example, if its tax season, they go fully on phishing emails on taxes, especially from SABS. 

"When it's Black Friday, I receive an SMS with Black Friday deals and a link on it, but there is no company name or retail store name on it."  

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