Don’t fall victim to phishing attempts
Phishing is when cybercriminals try to deceive people into providing sensitive information by posing as trustworthy sources, such as banks, other financial institutions or legitimate companies. This information can include your ID number, passwords, bank card details, and other personal details. Scammers will usually contact you out of the blue and request that you provide personal information, take part in some activity, or simply just click on a link.
This can happen on email, WhatsApp, SMS, Facebook, LinkedIn or even over a phone call.
How to recognise phishing attacks
Suspicious email addresses or numbers you don’t recognise:
Be cautious of emails and text messages from unfamiliar senders, especially if the email address looks unusual or slightly misspelled. For example, support@bnak.com instead of support@bank.com
Urgent or threatening language:
Phishing emails often use scare tactics to create a sense of urgency. Phrases like "Your account will be suspended" or "Immediate action required" are common.
Generic greetings:
Emails that start with "Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your actual name can be a red flag.
Unexpected attachments or links:
Be cautious of emails or text messages that ask you to click on a link or open an attachment. Use your cursor to hover over links to check the actual URL before clicking.
Spelling and grammar errors:
Many phishing messages contain noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes. Legitimate organisations usually proofread their communications.
Requests for sensitive information:
Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords, ID numbers, or bank details by SMS or email.
How to spot an unsafe link
Don’t trust any links or attachments in emails, texts or social media messages you weren’t expecting. Always hover over links in emails to see the actual link. Searching with reputable search engines is also a good way to check if a URL is legitimate or not.
How to avoid phishing scams
Verify the source:
If you receive an email or message from an unknown sender, verify its authenticity before taking any action. There are many online platforms that can help you verify a company’s authenticity. A good example is the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in South Africa which has created an efficient online platform called BizPortal that allows you to verify a company’s legitimacy and registration.
Do not click on links or open attachments:
Never open suspicious emails, texts or other messages received from unknown third parties. If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t right. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails or messages, and don’t reply to or forward suspicious messages.
Educate yourself:
Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and how to recognise them. A quick Google search can help you spot ongoing online scams as reputable media sources will often report on the latest phishing scams.
Report phishing attempts:
If you receive a suspicious email or message from an institution like BrightRock, report it immediately.
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 receive an unexpected message directly from BrightRock, and not your financial adviser, requesting sensitive information, it may be a phishing scam. Rather be safe than sorry!
To report any suspicious emails or online activity, 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.