Last year, UK Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, found himself at the centre of a scam operated by Nigerian fraudsters who sent out hundreds of e-mails in his name asking for money. The e-mails claimed he had lost his wallet on charity work in Africa and needed $3 500 to get home.
Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Still, no-one wants to see one of their friends in financial trouble, but be warned, an e-mail asking for financial help from a ‘friend’ may not always be quite what it seems.
Indeed, scammers may well use the fact that many people will travel to South Africa for the World Cup this year to perpetuate targeted versions of this scam. If you receive e-mails from friends “abroad” – do check before you act!
Even if it at first glance your suspicions aren’t aroused, if a friend sends you an e-mail asking for financial help, it’s always a good idea to phone and check before you start transferring money into someone else’s bank account!
Also if you’re lucky enough to be in South Africa to see some of the World Cup action, it’s a good idea not to shout about it too much – letting people know that you’re away is a security risk in itself. Keep your social networking profiles locked down so only friends can view them and don’t reveal details like your address or postcode in your profile.
Just as you don’t leave anything in view of potential criminals when you leave your house, make sure your digital life isn’t giving you away while you’re away from home.