Scammers and fraudsters are all over the Internet, and their secret weapon is you. No matter how strong your passwords, your antivirus, or your VPN are, your online security is only as good as your own bad habits.  

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against cybercriminals: 

1. Stay informed of the latest scams 

You can’t avoid an online scam if you don’t see it coming. The South African Government’s Cybersecurity Hub posts regular updates on the latest scams doing the rounds – so instead of relying on outdated WhatsApp warnings that have been forwarded many times (and which may be phishy themselves), rather rely on legitimate information. 

2. Be wary of dating apps 

Some of the most common online scams are related to the thing we humans crave most – love. Sophisticated online scams, some of which use AI-enabled deepfake technology, are rampant on dating sites, where fraudsters will manipulate your emotions to scam you out of a quick buck. Be cautious about how much personal information you publish on your dating profile and of continuing the conversation off the app via phone, email, or other platforms.  

3. Shopping on social media platforms  

Shopping scams are especially common on social media. The offer – which could be anything from cheap electricity to fashionable shoes to cut-price replica football jerseys – usually seems too good to be true, because it is. Always go to the seller’s website, and check there’s an email (that works) and a contact number (with a human on the other side). No website? No email? No number? These are all sure signs of a scam. Scammers will also typically request payment via e-wallet, CashSend or Shopify, because those transactions are the hardest for your bank to trace.  

4. Know your personality type 

A recent study by a researcher at Stellenbosch University found that agreeable people are most likely to fall victim to providing private and sensitive information to cybercriminals. Kindness, friendliness, and compassion are all positive traits, but they make you more susceptible to fraudsters who exploit your good nature. Nervous or neurotic people also tend to be easier targets for scams like fake applications and plug-in attacks. The trick is to know your personality type, and the kind of ways you might be manipulated.  

5. Be careful, everywhere 

Online fraud doesn’t only happen on dodgy websites or dating apps. Just by accessing the Internet via an insecure connection, you could be putting yourself at risk. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks (they’re a known hangout for hackers), and always log out of your email and social accounts when you’re finished using a public computer or network.  

Being clued up about online dangers is important in this digital age. To improve your know how about cybercrime check out out listicle on protecting yourself against different digital fraud methods and how to stop them.