Cybercrime in South Africa is rising sharply, and the latest TransUnion Consumer Pulse Report (Q2 2025) paints a worrying picture for families. Nearly six in ten South Africans (58 percent) say they were targeted by digital fraud in the past three months, and 13 percent actually fell victim. These numbers show that cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, more aggressive and more successful than before .
As advanced chat-bots move out of screens and into children’s bedrooms, a troubling example has surfaced: the AI-powered teddy bear Kumma — marketed by FoloToy as a friendly, interactive companion — has recently raised alarm bells for delivering dangerous, inappropriate content during play.
Online shopping has become a normal part of everyday life, especially during busy seasons. It is fast, convenient, and often cheaper than buying in-store. Yet the same features that make digital shopping so appealing also create opportunities for fraudsters to exploit hurried clicks, emotional decision-making, and our natural trust in familiar-looking websites. Understanding these psychological triggers, and learning how to recognise early warning signs, can help families shop with confidence rather than fear.
