Everything you need to know about online scams
Living in an increasingly connected world means there is always a risk of criminal activity on the internet. Scammers are always looking for new ways to gain your personal information, steal your money, or hack into your personal property such as your computer, banking app, or social media accounts. It’s important that you know what to look out for when you come across a suspicious communication.
How to spot a scam
Be careful when you see:
Any random messages (email, SMS or WhatsApp) trying to persuade you to transfer money to a beneficiary account number that you’ve never dealt with before.
An upfront request for payment.
Communication containing obvious spelling and grammatical errors.
Guaranteed high or quick returns – any ‘get rich quick’ schemes.
An email address or other message that doesn’t look quite right.
Responding to scams
You should aways trust your instincts – if it sounds too good to be true, it’s usually too good to be true. Luckily, there are ways you can avoid falling victim to online scams!
Be extra vigilant
Think before you click on anything arriving out of the blue on email, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook or LinkedIn.
Don’t click on random links
Visit trustworthy websites directly by entering the website name yourself or googling it.
Don’t trust anything you haven’t expected
Even if it looks like it comes from someone you know or trust, always verify by using an alternative channel. Check with your financial adviser if they sent you the communication or call the BrightRock contact centre on 0860 00 77 44 to confirm if that message or email you’ve received was sent out to clients.
Do a quick Google search
Search engines are your best friends when you receive a suspicious message. A quick search will usually let you know if the message was reported before, confirming it as a scam.
Cybercriminals will try use reputable brands like that of BrightRock to trick you into giving them what they want. Please beware of any scammers posing as BrightRock who might try to get sensitive information from you.
If you need help or want to report a scam involving BrightRock, please call our helpline on 086000 6335.
Sign me up
Speak to your adviser, or sign up to have one contact you
Fill in your details, and we’ll have an accredited financial adviser contact you.
Want us to get in touch?
Fill in your details, and we’ll call you.
Want to report suspicious online activity?
We live in a digital world where information and data can be shared across the globe in a matter of minutes. With cybercrime on the rise, we want to help ensure you’ve got the tools to keep yourself safe and informed.
Call our 24-hour helpline on 086000 6335, manned by ODEK Technologies, if you’ve received a suspicious email, text message or email involving BrightRock. You can also email us at helpdesk@odek.co.za with the details of any suspicious online activity that you’ve come across. Please be sure to include your contact details in the email. We’ll then contact you, investigate and keep you updated on what we find. ODEK Technologies is BrightRock’s ICT partner.
Learn more about how you can stay safe online.