Browser Safety and Cybersecurity

Protecting yourself from online threats and financial scams

Back to Home

Complete Phishing & Fraud Prevention Guide

BEWARE OF PHISHING SCAMS: DON'T TAKE THE BAIT!

Phishing is the most common cybercrime method where criminals send fraudulent emails, texts, or calls pretending to be legitimate organizations to steal your sensitive information.

Email Phishing Red Flags
Phone & SMS Scams (Smishing/Vishing)
Website & Technical Red Flags

Overview

With increasing digitalization, understanding browser safety and cybersecurity is essential for protecting your personal information, finances, and privacy online.

Essential Browser Safety Practices

Password Security
  • Use strong, unique passwords for each account (minimum 12 characters)
  • Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible
  • Use a reputable password manager like Bitwarden or LastPass
  • Never share passwords via email or text message
Safe Browsing Habits
  • Always look for "https://" and padlock icon in address bar
  • Keep browsers and plugins updated regularly
  • Use ad-blockers and anti-tracking extensions
  • Clear browsing data and cookies monthly
  • Be cautious of shortened URLs and QR codes
Public Wi-Fi Safety
  • Avoid accessing banking or sensitive accounts on public networks
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security
  • Verify network names with establishment staff
  • Turn off file sharing and network discovery
  • Forget the network after use

Common Scams Targeting Namibians

Phishing Scams

Recent cases reported to NamPol Cybercrime Unit:

  • Fake SMS messages claiming to be from banks requesting account verification
  • Emails pretending to be from Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA) about tax refunds
  • Social media messages offering fake government grants
  • Fake job offers requesting banking details for "salary payments"
SIM Swap Fraud

How criminals target Namibian mobile users:

  • Fraudsters obtain personal information through social engineering
  • They visit mobile provider stores with fake IDs to request SIM replacement
  • Once they control your number, they reset banking passwords
  • Several cases reported in Windhoek and Oshakati in 2023
Investment & Tech Support Scams

Common fraudulent schemes:

  • Fake cryptocurrency investment platforms promising 200% returns
  • Callers claiming to be from Microsoft/Apple saying your computer has viruses
  • Fake online relationships leading to requests for money (Romance scams)
  • Unauthorized forex trading platforms on social media

How to Recognize Banking Scams in Namibia

Urgent Action Required

Legitimate Namibian banks never threaten immediate account closure via SMS or email. They use official letters for serious matters.

Request for Full Security Details

No Namibian bank will ever ask for your full PIN, password, or card number via email, SMS, or phone call.

Suspicious Email Addresses

Check sender addresses carefully. Scammers use addresses like "bankwindhoek.secure@gmail.com" instead of official @bankwindhoek.com domains.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Be wary of offers for government grants, unexpected inheritances, or investment returns significantly above market rates.

What to Do If You're Targeted

1Do Not Respond or Click

Ignore the message completely. DO NOT reply, call provided numbers, or click any links.

2Verify Independently

Contact your bank using the official number from their website or your bank card - not numbers provided in suspicious messages.

3Report Immediately

Forward suspicious emails to your bank's fraud department and report to NamPol using the verified emergency numbers below.

4Secure Your Accounts

Change passwords, enable transaction alerts, and monitor account activity closely.

Emergency Contacts

SECURITY WARNING
The email address cybercrime@nampol.gov.na is fake and used by cybercriminals. Do not use it. NamPol has issued official warnings about this scam.
NamPol Emergency Contacts

10111 - National Police Emergency (24/7)
061 302 302 - Windhoek City Police (Toll-free)
061 254 299 - Police Crime Stoppers (Anonymous)

Bank Fraud Departments

First National Bank (FNB): 061 299 2222 / 061 299 2999 (after hours)
Standard Bank: 061 294 2126 (Fraud inquiries)
Bank Windhoek: 061 299 1200 (24/7 Customer Contact Centre)
Nedbank: 0800 000 115 / +264 81 959 2222

Other Important Contacts

Anti-Corruption Commission: 0800 222 888 (Toll-free)
Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN): +264 61 222 666
Bank of Namibia: +264 61 283 5111 (General inquiries)
NAMRA Whistleblower Hotline: 0800 535 777 (Tax fraud reports)

Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN)

  • Telephone: +264 61 222 666
  • Email: communications@cran.na
  • Website: www.cran.na

Quick Safety Checklist

Use strong, unique passwords for each account
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
Keep software and antivirus updated
Back up important data regularly
Verify sender information before responding
Use official banking apps from app stores
Monitor bank statements weekly
Educate family members about scams

Frequently Asked Questions

Act immediately: Contact your bank's 24/7 fraud line to freeze accounts, change all passwords, report to NamPol using the emergency number 10111, and monitor your credit reports. Quick reporting can prevent most attempted fraud.

Official banking apps from Namibian banks are secure when downloaded from official app stores, kept updated, and used on secure devices. However, avoid using them on public Wi-Fi, enable all security features, and never jailbreak your device as this compromises security.