Here are some guidelines to help you identify suspicious:

1. Typos and language errors in the message.
2. Messages that expect you to tap on a link, or activate a new feature through a link, or to download an app.
3. Requests to share your personal information, such as your credit card or bank account number, date of birth or passwords.
4. Requests to forward a message (this one is popular, they ask you to send a code. This is usually a contact you know) – do not forward this code and contact your contact person immediately.
5. Requests for money or that you have to pay to use WhatsApp.
6. The scammer pretends to be someone you know.
7. The message could be about lottery, gambling, jobs, investments or loans, etc.
8. The person starts talking to you to gain your trust before requesting personal information.

Best practices if you received a suspicious message:

1. If a message looks suspicious, don’t tap, share or forward it.
2. 2. Validate the message according to the guidelines as was indicated above.
   • Pause and think
   • Stop the conversation
3. 3. If you are unsure whether it is a suspicious message, contact the person in any other way than the cell phone. When confirmation is received that it is not your contact who sent the message, then

   • Block and report
   • Update your privacy and security settings

Hieronder is ‘n paar riglyne om verdagte boodskappe te kan Identifiseer:

1. Tikfoute en taalfoute in die boodskap.
2. Boodskappe wat verwag dat jy op ‘n skakel moet klik, of ‘n nuwe kenmerk deur ‘n skakel te aktiveer, of om ‘n toepassing af te laai.
3. Versoeke om jou persoonlike inligting te deel, soos jou kredietkaart- of bankrekeningnommer, geboortedatum of wagwoorde.
4. Versoeke om ‘n boodskap aan te stuur (hierdie een is gewild, hulle vra jou om ‘n kode aan te stuur. Dit is gewoonlik ‘n kontakpersoon wat bekend is aan jou) – moenie hierdie kode aanstuur nie en kontak dadelik jou kontakpersoon.
5.  Versoeke om geld of dat jy moet betaal om WhatsApp te gebruik
6. Die swendelaar gee voor dat hulle iemand is wat jy ken Die boodskap kan gaan oor lottery, dobbelary, werk, beleggings of lenings, ens.
7. Die persoon begin met jou praat om jou vertroue te wen voordat persoonlike inligting versoek word.

Opsomming vanaf WhatsApp > “Settings”:

1. As ‘n boodskap verdag lyk, moenie daarop klik, deel of aanstuur nie.
2. Beoordeel die boodskap volgens die riglyne soos aangedui hierbo.

   • Sit terug en dink
   • Stop die gesprek

3. As jy onseker is of dit ‘n verdagte boodskap is, kontak die persoon op enige ander manier as die selfoon. Wanneer bevestiging ontvang word dat dit nie jou kontak is wat die boodskap gestuur het nie, dan

   • Blokkeer en rapporteer
   • Opdateer jou privaatheid- en sekuriteitstellings

1) Tell your neighbours you’re selling and join the FNA (if applicable).

Ensure they have your contact details and ask them to make contact if there’s anything requiring your attention.

The FNA has an empty house register to ensure daily visits, with a 24-hour safety service. You could also request that the real estate agent marketing the home check in on it occasionally.

2) Check your home insurance policy.

Don’t forget to reach out to your insurance company to find out how your coverage might change once you’ve left the property. You should also find out how long the policy will cover your vacant home. Some insurance companies may offer Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Coverage that protects your property once you’ve moved out.

3) Install a home security system with one of the FNA SLA security company partners.

There are specific packages for FNA members.

The FNA has a radio network (FICH-Net).

The FNA has a 24-hour dedicated emergency phone number.

If the home doesn’t currently have a security system, install one. It’ll keep the home safer and may also increase its value. For many prospective homebuyers, security is a determining factor in their decision-making.

4) Secure all entrances of your home.

Remember to do more than just lock your doors. Close the windows securely and bolt the glass sliding door. Pay attention to any area in the home that could be used to gain entrance. Take extra precautions by adding deadbolts to all the doors and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.

5) Use timed lighting on your vacant home.

To further deter criminals, try motion-activated lights or set your lights on a timer so that they turn on during the evenings to give the appearance that someone is at home. Ideally, there should be sufficient lighting for the interior and exterior of the home, as a poorly lit home allows criminals the opportunity to hide.

6) Stage the vacant home.

Even though no one is currently living in the home, it doesn’t need to be empty. A bare home can seem less homely to potential buyers. Your agent should take photos of your home fully furnished, which would deter criminals who are scoping for targets online.

7) Don’t let your mailbox overflow.

Ensure that you update your forwarding address or make regular visits to your home to pick up mail as an overflowing mailbox is a tell-tale sign of a vacant home. Alternatively, ask your neighbours, friends, or relatives to stop by the property occasionally to empty the mailbox.

8) Maintain the vacant home’s exterior.

9) Don’t sell your vacant home alone.

While selling an uninhabited home can be a daunting task, using the above tips will help to ensure that the process is as hassle-free as possible. Using an experienced real estate professional from a reputable brand will also expedite the process and ensure a quick and seamless sale.

1. Shred Documents

Before discarding any documents that contain personal information, such as bank statements, medical records, or bills, use a cross-cut shredder to destroy them.

2. Remove Labels

3. Secure Trash Bags

4. Avoid Putting Out Electronics

5. Use a Lockable Bin

6. Recycle Wisely

7. Timing

8. Check for Local Guidelines