Fraudsters are increasingly targeting people rather than computer systems, with experts warning that many scams rely on tricking victims into giving away personal and financial information. Letshego Holdings Namibia IT Security Specialist Abner Kashikola said criminals have realised it is often easier to manipulate people than to break through technical security systems.

He said understanding how common scams work is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from fraud.

Kashikola explained that phishing remains one of the most common scams. It involves fraudsters sending emails that appear to come from trusted organisations such as banks, government offices or service providers, asking people to click on links, provide personal details or respond urgently.

He said similar scams include smishing, where fake messages are sent through SMS, vishing, where criminals call victims by phone, and QR-shing, where fake QR codes direct people to fraudulent websites.

“Most fraud attempts have one thing in common. They target people, not systems. Criminals know it is often easier to manipulate someone into handing over information than it is to break through technical defences,” he said.

Kashikola said fake online sellers continue to cause major financial losses in Namibia. These scammers advertise goods on trusted online platforms, collect payment, and then disappear without delivering the products.

According to a TransUnion report released in June 2026, about 35% of Namibians who lost money through digital fraud were victims of fake online sellers, often involving fake proof-of-payment screenshots shared in online buying and selling groups.

He added that phone scams have also become one of the biggest causes of electronic funds transfer (EFT) fraud, with criminals creating panic to convince victims to reveal one-time passwords.

Other scams affecting Namibians include fake investment and cryptocurrency schemes promoted on WhatsApp and social media, promising guaranteed profits and quick wealth.

Kashikola also warned about SIM card cloning and SIM swapping, which are often noticed when a person’s mobile phone suddenly loses network signal.

He said fake government grant messages and fraudulent job recruitment offers continue to circulate. Some fake job adverts ask applicants to forward messages to several WhatsApp groups before they can supposedly apply for employment.

“Almost none of these scams involve hacking in the technical sense. They involve talking, calling, messaging or simply convincing someone. This is known as social engineering, where scammers manipulate trust, fear, curiosity or excitement to influence people’s decisions,” he said.

Kashikola urged people to be cautious whenever they receive unexpected requests for personal or financial information.

He advised customers to be suspicious of messages demanding urgent action, unexpected links or attachments, prize notifications or requests for passwords, PINs and verification codes.

Instead of responding immediately, he encouraged people to verify requests by contacting organisations through official phone numbers or websites they already know and trust, rather than using contact details provided in suspicious messages.

“Scammers rely on urgency and emotion to stop people from thinking. The customers who stay safe are not necessarily the most technical, but those who pause and verify before they click,” he said.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na