What is it?

This scam often involves SIM swaps where criminals will clone your SIM card and “hijack” your phone number. Using your number, they will send messages to your contacts, claiming that some kind of tragedy or emergency has taken place and asking them for financial assistance. Your contacts, thinking that it’s you who needs their help, will then send money to the criminals.

How can you protect yourself?

• Don’t take messages asking for help at face value. Scrutinise the message to check if the person speaks or spells the way your real friend/family member would and try to make personal contact with them. If they keep making excuses as to why they can’t answer the phone, you know that something is amiss.
• If they do answer the phone, be extra vigilant and listen carefully for signs that you are not speaking to the person they’re claiming to be.

CONCERNED THAT YOU MIGHT BE A VICTIM?

Report any suspicions of fraudulent activity immediately.

• Call the Tip-offs anonymous toll free number: 0800 222 117
• Email toahotline@tip-offs.com
• Visit www.tip-offs.com (This anonymous service is provided by Deloitte - a multinational auditing and accounting firm)
• Alternatively, please email Old Mutual Group Forensic Services (GFS) on gfs@oldmutual.com