Cell phone theft remains rife in South Africa and with an alarming 11 404 reported incidents of common robbery in the first quarter of 2023 – an increase of 7.9% over the previous year, it’s imperative for South Africans to be vigilant.
“This is especially true for South African women, who are targeted almost five times more often than men,” says Dialdirect’s spokesperson, Martin van Wyk. “Over the past year, we have seen that over 80% of our cell phone claims were from female customers. Gauteng remains the hotspot for cell phone theft and incidents typically spike on Thursdays and Sundays.”
In London, where a phone is stolen every six minutes, criminals are ‘shoulder surfing’ their victims to observe the PIN code, before stealing the phone. This gives them access to a wealth of personal information. “Nowadays, phones are essentially bank cards so if your phone is stolen, make sure to de-link your bank account from your device and alert your bank immediately to prevent criminals from looting your hard-earned savings,” says van Wyk.
To avoid becoming a victim, Dialdirect offers the following tips:
- De-link: If your phone is stolen, immediately de-link or deactivate your banking app. Every second counts so make sure you know how to do this by proactively contacting your bank.
- Block: Then contact your cellphone service provider to block your SIM card. Doing so will prevent criminals from accessing any OTPs (One Time Pins).
- Backup: Regularly backup your contacts, media and other data. Password protect these backups to make sure that nobody can access them.
- Digital protection: Set a strong pin or password and use biometric authentication to protect sensitive data on your phone.
- Track: Set up and activate any mobile tracking software that comes with your phone, or download similar software from a trustworthy, verified and highly rated third-party.
- Anti-theft bags: Use anti-theft bags, cases or straps to make it more difficult to steal your phone. Bag slashing is rife, especially at big concerts and events.
- Look out: Be aware of your surroundings at all times, look out for suspicious behaviour and avoid being distracted by calls, messages, media or other activities.
- Don’t paint a bullseye: Don’t leave your phone in plain sight on a car seat, on a table, in an open bag or even in your hand while walking.
- Be wary of strangers: People randomly trying to make small talk might have the best of intentions, but maintain a healthy sense of scepticism as criminals have been known to use these tactics to get their hands on phones.
- Insurance purposes: Keep a safe record of your phone’s PUK and serial numbers.
“Nowadays, one’s life is stored on their phone,” says van Wyk, “Whilst insurance covers you against theft, loss and damage, it’s best to always be on high alert. It’s important to remember that your life is more important than your phone. With a good backup strategy in place, phones and contacts can be replaced.”
Also see: 5 Health benefits of sea water
