Dipesh Radia | Chief Commercial Officer | Momentum Insure | mail me |
The holiday period is synonymous with travel, online transactions and a surge in digital activity. From securing last-minute flights and booking accommodation to buying gifts and managing digital payments, we rely on the convenience of the online world. However, this high-activity environment remains fertile ground for scams and fraud.
Criminals exploit periods of urgency and distraction, particularly during and immediately after the festive season. They often succeed when our guard is down. Protecting digital assets, including your money, identity, personal data, devices and online accounts, has become a key component of modern personal and family safety.
Importantly, these risks do not disappear when the holidays end. Fraud attempts often increase in early January as criminals exploit delayed account reviews, fatigue and financial pressure.
Guarding what matters most
The “Science of Success” teaches us that success favours the focused. When you concentrate on safeguarding what matters most, you create a robust foundation for achieving broader financial and personal goals. In the digital world, this means cultivating high-awareness behaviours.
Remember: fraud strikes fastest when awareness is lowest. Digital awareness is not just technical know-how; it is essential financial protection. By applying simple, practical checks, you can keep fraud at bay and ensure uninterrupted participation in the digital economy.
Checks to secure your digital life
Here is a list of actionable steps for protecting digital assets, ensuring you know when to trust, double-check, or walk away.
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Stop the phish
Look closely at the sender’s email address or website URL. Scammers use subtle changes (e.g., Momentumlnsure.co.za instead of MomentumInsure.co.za, note the ‘l’ instead of ‘I’). Never click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails or texts. Messages creating extreme urgency, promising a prize, or threatening account closure are major red flags. Always type the official website directly into your browser.
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Master password health
Use a strong, unique password for every critical account, especially banking, email and social media. A strong password is long and combines capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Use a reputable password manager to create and store complex passwords. Change any passwords you suspect may have been compromised immediately.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Activate 2FA on every account that offers it. This includes email, banking, social media and online shopping platforms. 2FA requires a second code, usually sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This step is the most effective barrier against account takeover, even if a scammer steals your password.
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Protect your personal data
Never share sensitive personal information, such as your PIN, OTP or the three-digit CVV number, via email, text or phone call. Legitimate financial institutions will never request this information. If you receive such a request, end the call or delete the message, then contact the institution using the official number on their website or your bank card.
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Secure your devices
Ensure your devices, such as your phone, laptop and tablet, are protected with a passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition. Keep your operating system and apps updated to patch security vulnerabilities. Avoid conducting sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi, which is often unencrypted. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you must connect to public networks.
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Scrutinise online shopping
Before making a payment, check that the website has “https://” and a padlock icon. Look for transparent return policies and accurate contact information. Be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on unfamiliar websites. Check reputable reviews before entering your card details. Use a virtual card to add another layer of protection when checking out online.
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Regularly review your financial statements
Scan your bank and credit card statements weekly for unauthorised or unfamiliar transactions. Catching a small fraudulent transaction early can prevent a larger financial loss. Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Your safety, your success
By adopting these high-awareness checks, you are actively protecting digital assets and taking control of your personal safety.
Prioritising protection allows you to stay focused and successful, both online and offline. As the year begins, safeguarding your digital life is just as important as rebuilding routines, finances and focus after the holidays.
