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Security tips: How to be aware when shopping online

SMSNTdesigner·3 April 2023·0 comments

Online shopping in South Africa is booming. It’s enjoyable and convenient to click your way to great bargains from the comfort of your desk or sofa. Unfortunately, the more things are ‘added to carts’, the more opportunities there are for fraudsters to gain access to your money.

Save your favourites

To avoid typing in the wrong address, it’s a good idea to bookmark your most trusted shopping sites. Ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues, and read online reviews to see if customers have enjoyed a safe shopping experience.

Look for the lock

Only transact on secure websites: Look for the lock image on the toolbar, valid certificates such as VeriSign and secure payment systems such as PayU. When you get to the page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an ‘s’ after ‘http://’ in the web address of that page – it should read: ‘https://’. The encryption is a security measure that scrambles your data as it is entered.

secured Samsonite URL

Do your online shopping in safe places

Don’t do your shopping in coffee shops and malls. With public Wi-Fi, there’s a bigger chance for fraudsters to intercept your connection and get hold of your usernames and passwords.

Watch out for strange emails and links

Fraudsters are quite good at mimicking known websites, which enables them to easily create emails with fraudulent links in them that look legitimate. Always be skeptical about offers that seem too good to be true. Certain online ads on social media sites might take you to a fake website that can infect your system with malware. Rule of thumb: rather type in the web address yourself. Also, never send emails that contain personal information such as your card number and expiry date, or supply these details over the phone.

Keep your browser up to date

Those constant updates can be annoying but they are there to keep you safe. Always do system and app updates to lessen the risk of vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

Use strong passwords

Don’t create a password that is easy to guess or hack. Use an 8-digit password combination of upper case letters, symbols and numbers. Did you know that a simple 6-letter password will take a hacker?

Password examples from weak to strong

10 minutes to crack but the 8-digit one described above would take them 463 years? Get more tips on password security here.

Keep track of your bank statements

Check your statements regularly for any unverified transactions, as well as to ensure that no fraudulent charges are happening on your accounts.

Choose strong antivirus software

Use good quality antivirus software – whether from your bank or reputable providers such as McAfee or Kaspersky Lab.

Use two-factor authentication methods

In the world of online shopping and banking, the OTP (one-time PIN) is your best friend. This is what is called two-factor authentication – when you need another mode of verification (other than your password) to authorize a transaction. You will usually receive an OTP as an SMS on your cellphone.  Technology such as Verified by VISA and Mastercard SecureCode protect both you, the cardholder and the merchant by verifying your personal details during an online purchase.

Teach your kids about online safety

If you have a household of tablets and phones, sharing music and movies between accounts, then it’s a good idea to teach them safety habits too. Remind your teenage kids never to give out personal details over the phone, and to be careful about clicking on email links.

What about buying from Social Media?

Facebook advertising and Facebook marketplace have made it incredibly simple for scammers to target millions of people online. They often setup product ads of real brands with images of actual products.

When you buy from Social Media:

  • Ensure that the Facebook page that you are buying from is a real business.
  • Check reviews on their Facebook/Instagram account.
  • Avoid deals with sellers not based in South Africa.
  • Cross reference the prices that they are offering with other suppliers, if it seems too good to be true then it probably is.
  • Always check for contact details, if a website selling products does not have a number or a customer service line of contact then avoid dealing with them.

If you have been a victim:

Should you have already made a purchase through a scammer, you need to contact your banking institute immediately. The party that you have paid now has access to all of personal information, including your banking/credit card details.

If you paid using a card it is best to cancel that card with your bank after reporting the fraud to them.

If you have paid via a direct bank transfer then you will still need to report fraud on your account. The possibility of getting your funds returned to you is a long process, but it is possible.

Make sure that you stay abreast of common online scams by visiting these useful websites: www.reportacrime.co.za, www.saps.gov.za and www.crimeline.co.za.

SMSNTdesigner

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Terms and Conditions

INTRODUCTION

SAMSONITE SOUTHERN AFRICA (PTY) LTD, 68 Old Main Road, Kloof, 3610, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is organising the Samsonite Dream Rider Giveaway, hereafter “the Giveaway”, as described in these terms and conditions.

ELIGIBILITY

No purchase is necessary. The Giveaway is open to all residents of South Africa, that have obtained the legal age, hereafter “The Participant(s)”. Directors, officers, management, employees, other staff, agents, distributors and wholesale customers of SAMSONITE and family members thereof or any of its affiliated companies or any other persons involved in the making of this Giveaway are not eligible to enter this Giveaway. Any participation not complying with these terms and conditions is invalid. SAMSONITE explicitly reserves the right to refuse or remove a Participant, at its sole discretion, in the event SAMSONITE determines a Participant does not comply with all rules and regulations as contained herein. It is not the responsibility of SAMSONITE to ensure that the Giveaway participation requirements and use of personal information do not contravene the laws and regulations of any country of residency of participation, where it is being received or viewed. For the mentioned reason, all responsibilities relating to the participations to the Giveaway will be borne by the Participants who, it is understood, participate under their own responsibility and risk. In the event that any misfortune or damage should be experienced on the side of the Participant(s), SAMSONITE will not be responsible.

ENTRY WINDOW

The Giveaway is open from 25th August 2023 until 7th September 2023 midnight (CET) (hereafter “the Giveaway Period”). Participation is only valid during the Giveaway Period.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The Participants can enter the Giveaway by completing the following steps:

  1. Follow us, like our post
  2. Comment and tag a friend
  3. Share post to your stories
  4. Follow @therealtekomodise and @samsonitesa
  5. Subscribe to our newsletter
  6. Follow @samsonitesa and @therealtekomodise on Instagram

WINNER NOTIFICATION

SAMSONITE will announce the winners on 7th September 2023. All participants will be entered in a random draw and the first person’s name drawn will be deemed the winner. SAMSONITE reserves the right to announce the winners via e-mail, Facebook, Instagram & website. The winner will be advised by e-mail sent to the e-mail address given by the participate entering the Giveaway. Any change in e-mail/physical address may be sent to [email protected]. If, having determined the winners, doubts appear over the accuracy of contact details provided by the winner, SAMSONITE reserves the right to ask a copy of the passport/identity card in order to validate the allocation of the Giveaway once and for all. The winner should confirm that they accepts the Giveaway and the conditions for allocating the Giveaway, by replying to the confirmation e-mail within 3 days from receiving it. He should supply his full contact details (name, first name, e-mail and postal addresses). Failure to confirm acceptance of the Giveaway and to provide the required information within the stated timescale will result in the winner losing the right to claim the Giveaway and its reallocation to a new winner. Upon the Giveaway forfeiture, no payment or other compensation will be made to the original potential winner. The announcement date may be delayed due to unexpected circumstances. Decisions made by SAMSONITE are final on all matters relating to the Giveaway. SAMSONITE will not discuss the Giveaway results and will not respond to any requests for comments on this subject.

GIVEAWAY

SAMSONITE will announce the winner on 7th of September 2023, the eligible Participant will receive the Giveaway based on the following criteria: Giveaway will be awarded only if the potential winner fully complied with these Official Rules.

The Giveaway cannot be returned and cannot be taken as cash. Each prize is awarded “as is”, without warranty regarding the underlying services of performance. SAMSONITE is not responsible for direct or indirect damages that occur as the result of the use or loss of the Giveaway, regardless of cause. SAMSONITE reserves the right to substitute the Giveaway with a Giveaway of an equivalent value should the Giveaway become unavailable for any reason. Only the owner of the Facebook, Instagram account or e-mail address will receive a Giveaway.

Giveaway: Samsonite Proxis spinner signed by Teko Modise

PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS

Participants accept that:

  •  The participation to the Giveaway must be fully complete and in accordance with the Giveaway’s terms and conditions (The Participants have to fill in all the required fields) and received before the end of the Giveaway Period to be eligible for the Giveaway drawings.
  • Use of computer programs and/or other automated devices to enter the Giveaway is prohibited.
  • SAMSONITE’s decisions as to the administration and operation of the Giveaway and the selection of the potentials winners are final and binding in all matters related to the Giveaway and is not open for discussion with SAMSONITE.
  • At the time of participation, Participants are deemed to have read, understood and be in agreement with the Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway. If they do not agree with them, they should not proceed with the Giveaway. By continuing to participate in this Giveaway, they agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
  • SAMSONITE retains the right to exclude Participants from participating in the Giveaway and to delete participations from SAMSONITE’s website www.samsonite.co.za, if these are not in line with these terms and conditions.

TERMINATION OF THE GIVEAWAY

Samsonite has the right to vary these Terms, or terminate the Giveaway, at any time at its absolute discretion without liability to any entrant or other person. Samsonite will not award any product if the Giveaway is terminated.

EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY

Except as specifically set out herein and to the maximum extent permitted by law, all conditions, warranties and representations expressed or implied by law are hereby excluded. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Samsonite hereby excludes and shall not have any liability to any entrant or Giveaway winner in connection with or arising out of the Giveaway howsoever caused, including for any costs, expenses, forfeited prizes, damages and other liabilities, provided that nothing herein shall operate so as to limit or exclude Samsonite’s liability for personal injury or death caused by negligence. By entering the Giveaway, the entrant indemnifies Samsonite against any and all actions, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities suffered or incurred directly or indirectly by Samsonite in consequence of any breach or alleged breach, non-performance or non-observation by the entrant of any agreement, conditions, obligation or warranty on the part of the entrant herein. In the event that any provision of these Terms are held to be illegal, invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, it shall be severed from the remaining provisions which shall continue in full force and effect.

DATA PROTECTION/PRIVACY POLICY

By entering the Giveaway entrants warrant and undertake that the information submitted is true, accurate and complete. It is a condition of entry to the Giveaway that we have the right to communicate to the public the name of prize winner. Entrants hereby agree to such communication of their information. We may use information (including personal data) entrants provide by entering the Giveaway for the purposes of running the Giveaway.

JURISDICTION

Legal relationship between SAMSONITE and the Participants is governed by the applicable laws of South Africa. Any and all legal actions or claims arising in connection with this Giveaway must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in South Africa.

RELEASE

SAMSONITE disclaims any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participating in, or accessing or downloading information in connection with this Giveaway, and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, modify or suspend this Giveaway should a virus, bug, computer problem, unauthorised intervention or other causes beyond the Organiser’s control, corrupt the administration, security or proper play of this Giveaway. By participating in this Giveaway, Participants agree that no claim shall be asserted against SAMSONITE, its affiliates or any of its respective directors, officers, employees or agents in respect of any damages, rights, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever that result from their participation to this Giveaway and/or acceptance and enjoyment of the prizes. The Giveaway is void where prohibited. To the extent permitted by law, the right to litigate, to seek injunctive relief or to make any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Giveaway are hereby excluded and any Participant expressly waives any and all such rights.

AGREEMENT

By entering the Giveaway Participants agree to abide by all rules. The Giveaway terms and conditions are supplied to provide clarity. Please do not hesitate to contact us, via [email protected], if you have any questions or remarks.