CyberSense
CyberSense Ep. 20 – Fake Shopping Apps
Fake shopping apps look exactly like Checkers, Takealot, Woolworths, and Mr Price. They offer unbelievable deals. You pay. The item never arrives. And they now have your banking details.
📱 Full transcript: Fake Shopping Apps – The "Bargains" That Empty Your Account
CYBER SENSE ALERT: Fake Shopping Apps – The "Bargains" That Empty Your Account
Fake shopping apps look exactly like Checkers, Takealot, Woolworths, and Mr Price. They offer unbelievable deals. You pay. The item never arrives. And they now have your banking details.
Your Safe App Shopping Checklist
CHECK THE DEVELOPER NAME
Does it say "Checkers (Pty) Ltd" or "BestDeals2024"? The real company publishes the real app. Fake names = fake app.
LOOK AT DOWNLOADS AND REVIEWS
Millions of downloads = real. 100 downloads with five stars = fake. Read the one-star reviews for the truth.
CHECK THE APP'S AGE
Been around for years? Good. "Updated 2 days ago" with no history? Red flag.
DON'T TRUST SOCIAL MEDIA ADS
That unbelievable sale on Instagram? Don't click. Go directly to the official app store and search yourself.
IF THE PRICE IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE – IT IS
R2,000 for a new iPhone? R500 for a R10,000 voucher? That's a trap, not a bargain.
USE A CREDIT CARD OR SECURE PAYMENT
Never use direct EFT for unknown apps. Once it's gone, it's gone.
If You Get Scammed:
- 🗑️ Delete the app immediately.
- 📞 Call your bank's fraud hotline NOW.
- 🔐 Change your online banking password.
- 📱 Report the app to Google Play or the App Store.
— Declan Hardie, CyberSense