How to Keep your Smartphone, Data & Money Safe

In South Africa, the biggest mobile threats are not the high-tech hacks and breaches you see in the news. Familiar risks like SIM-swap fraud and phishing remain far more common.

TCL examines common mobile security threats and guides how to keep your data, money, and device safe.

Tech publications are full of alarming headlines about sophisticated threats like live phone cloning and fake cell towers. In reality, these are not dangers you are likely to encounter as an average smartphone user in South Africa. Modern networks and stronger safeguards make real-time phone cloning almost impossible, while international reports about fake cell tower attacks are rare.

The real dangers are more mundane, but they can be extremely damaging to your finances. According to identity fraud prevention firm Sekura, SIM-swap fraud in South Africa has surged around 25% year-on-year, with average losses of R10,000 and some victims losing up to R500,000. Other threats to be vigilant about include phishing, ID fraud, spyware and malware, authorized push payment (APP) scams, and physical phone theft.

SIM-swap fraud

This is when criminals trick your mobile network into transferring your number to a SIM they control. This gives them access to your calls, texts, and one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS. This enables fraudsters to drain your bank accounts or hijack accounts such as social media.

How to avoid it:

• Set a SIM PIN in your phone’s security settings—this helps protect against someone physically taking your SIM and moving it to another phone.
• Don’t rely on SMS for two-factor authentication—use an authenticator app instead.
• Treat unexpected service loss or SIM update messages as red flags and contact your provider immediately.
• Never give your security details to someone who phones and claims to be from your mobile operator. Call their contact center directly to verify any such requests.

Phishing

Cybercriminals send out fraudulent emails, SMS messages or WhatsApp texts that pretend to be from banks, SARS, mobile networks and other companies. Their goal is to trick you into clicking a link, where they will ask for your personal information or perhaps try to get you to install some malware.

How to avoid it:

• Never click on links from unsolicited messages. Visit the official site directly or phone the call centre.
• Check sender details carefully; small changes in an address can indicate a fake. Also look out for messages that try to panic you into action or which are full of grammatical and spelling mistakes.
• Enable spam and scam filters in your email and messaging apps.

ID fraud

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information (including your name, address, ID number, banking account number, username or password) to commit fraud. Criminals may use your identity to apply for credit or even launch insurance fraud schemes.

How to avoid it:

• ID fraud can be low-tech, with criminals using info stolen from your home, car or even your rubbish bins. For that reason, shred or securely dispose of old bills and bank statements.
• Avoid oversharing personal information on social media.
• Look out for phishing scams that try to gather info such as your address or ID number.
• Sign up for alerts from your bank or credit bureau to monitor for unusual activity.

Spyware and malware

This refers to malicious apps or software installed on your device to monitor your activity, steal credentials, or send data to attackers. This can come from unofficial app stores or suspicious links.

How to avoid it:

• Only install apps from Google Play or trusted developers.
• Review app permissions regularly and revoke any that are unnecessary. Not every app needs access to your location or contacts, for example.
• Keep your phone’s operating system and security software up to date.

Phone theft

This remains one of the most common crimes that you might become a victim of in South Africa. In most cases, the intent is to simply resell the smartphone. But thieves might also try to bypass your lock screen to access banking apps, your accounts and stored data.

• Use strong PINs, passwords, or biometric locks—not simple patterns.
• Enable “Find My Device” on Android and set up remote wipe options.
• Don’t store passwords or sensitive data in unprotected notes or text files.
• Be cautious when using your phone in public spaces.

Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams

In APP scams, you are tricked into voluntarily sending money to a scammer, often after being manipulated via a fake invoice, romance scam, or “urgent” payment request. Unlike unauthorized fraud, you make the transfer yourself, making recovery harder.

How to avoid it:

• Double-check payment details directly with the recipient before sending.
• Be wary of urgent requests, especially if they involve new or changed bank details.