Today’s hustle isn’t just about growth—it’s also about staying safe. Scams and fraud schemes are sophisticated and evolving fast, but with awareness and smart strategies, you can protect yourself and your business. Here are some essential tips to keep your hard-earned hustle fraud-free:

1. Slow Down & Think Critically
   Scammers rely on impulsive reactions. Take a moment, consult someone you trust, and verify any unexpected messages or offers. Don’t let urgency cloud your judgment

2. Watch for Red Flags in Communications
   Be wary of typos, unusual domains (e.g., “amazon-secure.com” is likely fake), urgent demands for sensitive info, or requests via SMS/phone/email asking for OTPs or personal data.

3. Harden Your Digital Defenses
   Use unique, strong passwords—or better yet, a password manager. Always enable Two-Factor Authentication across your bank and social accounts.Landlord Association South Africa

4. Vet People, Products & Processes
   Before investing or partnering, verify legitimacy. Check official registrations (e.g., FSCA for financial services), look for audited/legal documentation, and search for reviews or digital presence to ensure credibility.banking.org.za

5. Understand Common Scam Types
   Be on the lookout for:

   • Phishing/Smishing/Vishing: Messages or calls impersonating banks.

   • Advance-Fee Scams: “Pay now to unlock a large reward” schemes.

   • Fake Job Offers, Marketplace Scams: Be cautious when paying upfront or overpaying “buyers” who ask for refunds.

6. Use Trusted Resources & Report Fraud
   Arm yourself with tools and report any suspicious activity. SAFPS offers prevention resources like the YIMA Scam Prevention Toolbox, and encourages protective registration.safps.org.za
   Also, report fraud swiftly—to your bank, SAPS, SABRIC, or platforms involved—to help protect others.

Want more no-nonsense, real-world advice to scale safely? Head over to our blog or sign up for our newsletter. Your hustle is powerful—let’s keep it safe together.