Essential tips to safeguard against holiday scams

Essential tips to safeguard against holiday scams

As the holiday season approaches, it's essential to stay vigilant against potential scams. Here are some key tips to help protect yourself from fraudulent activities.

Be Wary of Unrealistic Deals:

• 1. If you come across jaw-dropping prices or seemingly exclusive offers, exercise caution. Offers that sound too good to be true often are. Always compare prices and check reviews.

Avoid Fake Booking Websites:

• 2. Scammers frequently create polished websites that appear legitimate. Verify the authenticity of a website before making any purchases. Look for indicators such as contact information, customer reviews and proper domain extensions.

Watch Out for Phantom Tickets:

• 3. Be cautious of sudden flight deals to popular destinations. If you purchase a ticket and it either doesn’t arrive or is invalid, you may have fallen victim to a scam. Always book directly through the airline’s official website.

Steer Clear of Holiday Accommodation Frauds:

• 4. Listings that seem too good to be true, such as inexpensive villas or apartments, can be traps. Always verify the property and use trusted booking platforms. Avoid engaging with adverts in social media inboxes.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions:

• 5. Free public Wi-Fi networks can be risky. Never conduct online banking or enter sensitive information when connected to unsecured networks. Instead, use a secure connection or consider purchasing local data while travelling. Also, ensure your mobile roaming is enabled.

Scrutinise URLs and Payment Security:

• 6. Before entering personal information, check the website's URL for accuracy, especially during checkout. Use a virtual card for added security; these cards often feature changing CVV numbers.

Act Quickly if You Suspect Fraud:

• 7. If you think you've been scammed, report the incident immediately. Block any compromised accounts and contact your bank's fraud department for assistance.

Trust Your Instincts:

• 8. If something feels off or too rushed, take a step back. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions.

De Wet DeVilliers Brokers is an authorised financial services provider (FSP number: 21850).