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Seven Tips for Keeping Your Money Safe this Festive Season

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The festive season is here. Unfortunately, statistics show that the good ‘vibes’ of the festive season can often be counterbalanced by increased levels of crime.

So, when you’re on the move, how do you keep your hard-earned cash safe?

Glen Jordan, Director of Financial Services Provider IMB, has simple, useful, and effective tips for safeguarding what you earn. “We all feel the urge to spend over the festive season, but how do we ensure that the money we make goes to the right people? By keeping to these eight easy-to-remember principles, you can protect yourself and your earnings from opportunists.”

  1. Don’t Carry Cash: Cash is no longer king. By keeping large quantities of notes on your person, you become an easy target for thieves and pickpockets. Keep just enough on you to pay for small items and safe-guard against unforeseen circumstances.
  2. Get a card: Carry your cash on a card. That way your money is safe and protected by the pin you select. “At IMB, clients can open an account, even if they don’t have a South African ID document. This is perfect because it means you no longer have to carry cash,” Jordan says. Financial service providers like IMB also provide services which help you access your money anytime, no matter where in the world you are.
  3. Keep Your Information Secret: Don’t ever write your PIN down on a piece of paper. By doing this, you put yourself at risk. And before you know it, someone else could be spending the money you earned. Keep it secret, keep it safe.
  4. Be Vigilant: “This time of year is always busy and vibrant, and scammers exploit this,” warns Jordan. “Be careful in busy areas such as malls and bus-stations, as the steady traffic of people creates confusion and easy getaway routes. Don’t let anyone assist you at an ATM, offer to carry your luggage or buy your ticket for you, as these are often just tricks used to make off with your money.” By keeping your head about you, you can ensure that this season remains festive.
  5. Travel with Reliable Charter Services: Make sure that however you get home, you do it safely. This means sticking to charter services like trains and buses that are approved by the relevant authorities. Not only does this mean that you will get home when you plan to, but it also means that the service operators are accountable to certain standards.
  6. Don’t Flaunt Your Wealth: The festive season is about celebrating your hard work. But, resist the urge to do this by showing exactly how much you have made. This could take the form of over-spending (which will be dangerous for your cash-flow come the New Year) or carrying around large denominations of money. This immediately makes you vulnerable for those looking to take advantage of others.
  7. Stay Protected: This year, many may not be able to travel home, and with the rise of e-commerce it is easier than ever to show your appreciation for your family by sending money home or buying gifts online. But, remember to protect yourself. Ensure that your devices are shielded by firewalls and anti-virus software. And if you’re worried you have been compromised? Jordan’s advice is simple. “Contact your Financial Services Provider immediately.”
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.