Fraudsters and cyber criminals may use different methods to gain access to your confidential and/or personal information – including identity and bank account details, passwords, pins and usernames. The most common method is referred to as 'phishing'.  Phishing attacks use fraudulent SMS (text), email and other online messages or website posts to solicit this information from unsuspecting victims.

Typically, fraudsters claim to represent reputable and trusted sources – service providers, financial institutions or retailers, for example. Although there are many variations, these fraudulent messages often contain a request to provide, verify or update personal information.

How can you avoid becoming a victim of phishing attempts?

• Be informed and understand the dangers of phishing
• Exercise caution with requests for your personal information. This includes any unsolicited phone calls, text, social media or email messages from individuals asking about your personal information.
• Remember that reputable companies, Vodacom among them, will never ask you to share your account information, password, pins or any other personal information via SMS, email or telephonically. This includes authentication questions that you may be asked by an agent.
• Do not reveal confidential personal information or financial information in an email, and do not respond to any requests for this information. This includes following links sent in email.
• Do not under any circumstances share or divulge your usernames and/or passwords to anyone.
• If you doubt the legitimacy of any communication received, contact the source directly and confirm the request. For example, if you receive a call from someone saying they're from your bank, rather call the bank's official customer service line yourself and verify that the request is legitimate.
• If you suspect that you may have responded to a phishing attempt or believe your personal information and/or financial account information may have been compromised, contact your service provider, bank or retailer immediately to report it and request them to monitor or block your account.

Report fraud, hoaxes or phishing to Vodacom immediately - here's how.