Legal Information

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

Your Privacy Matters We are committed to protecting your personal information and processing it responsibly in accordance with South African privacy legislation, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. Introduction

Welcome to I've Been Scammed. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store and protect personal information when you use this website.

By using this website, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are

I've Been Scammed is an independent public awareness initiative dedicated to educating individuals and organisations about scams, fraud, cybercrime and consumer protection.

We provide educational information only and do not act as law enforcement, legal advisers, financial institutions, fraud investigators or government agencies.

3. Information We Collect

Information You Provide Voluntarily

Name and surname
Email address
Telephone number
Organisation name
Information submitted through forms or enquiries

Information Collected Automatically

IP address
Browser type and version
Device information
Operating system
Pages visited
Date and time of visits
Referral sources

4. How We Use Your Information

Responding to enquiries
Providing educational resources
Improving website functionality
Sending newsletters where consent has been provided
Monitoring website security
Complying with legal obligations

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Your consent
Legitimate operational interests
Compliance with legal obligations
Protection of rights and security

6. Cookies and Analytics

This website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve functionality, monitor traffic and enhance user experience.

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

7. Sharing Information

Personal information may be shared with service providers assisting in website operations, where required by law, or where necessary to protect rights, safety and security.

We do not disclose personal information for commercial marketing purposes.

8. Data Security

Reasonable technical and organisational measures are implemented to protect personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, loss or destruction.

9. Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law.

10. Your Rights Under POPIA

Request access to personal information
Request correction of inaccurate information
Request deletion where legally permissible
Object to certain processing activities
Withdraw consent where applicable
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

11. Third-Party Websites

This website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content or security of third-party websites.

12. Children's Privacy

This website is intended for a general audience and does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 18 without appropriate consent.

13. International Data Transfers

Where service providers operate outside South Africa, personal information may be processed in jurisdictions that provide appropriate levels of data protection.

14. Changes to this Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Updated versions will be published on this page.

15. Contact Us

Privacy-related enquiries may be submitted through the contact methods made available on this website.