How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Vishing Scams

Mondo Admin / 10-02-2025 / Tech

Learn how to spot and avoid vishing scams with expert tips. Stay safe from phone scams by knowing the warning signs, checking who’s calling and keeping your personal info secure.

Scams are everywhere these days, and phone scams (also called "vishing") are becoming more common. Scammers trick people into giving away personal details like bank info, passwords, or one-time pins (OTPs).

They do this by sounding convincing and using personal info they’ve found online and by pretending they belong to a legitimate organisation.

Knowing how to tell a real call from a scam can help protect your hard-earned money.

First Clues That Something’s Wrong

Scam calls often start in a way that feels urgent or confusing. Scammers might pretend to be from a company you know to gain your trust.

They try to scare you or rush you or flood you with information. Then they will start asking for sensitive details like passwords or bank info. They want you to feel like you have no choice but to act quickly.

It’s important to remember that real companies won’t ask for this kind of info right away. If someone does, hang up.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

Scammers often use the same tricks. Here’s what to look out for:

  • The call is unexpected.
  • They ask you multiple questions that can be answered with “Yes” or “No”.
  • The caller sounds urgent or tries to scare you.
  • They ask for personal information.
  • They threaten to cut off a service or close an account.
  • They ask for money upfront.
  • The offer sounds too good to be true.

Remember, if someone’s pressuring you to decide fast, that’s a big warning sign.

Why Are These Scams Happening More Often?

Two big reasons: data breaches and easy access to personal info. Scammers can find your name, employer, and contact details online. They use this to make their calls seem more believable.

They’re really good at sounding trustworthy. They use what they know to trick you into thinking it’s a real call.”

How to Check If a Call Is Real

If you’re unsure about a call:

  • Ask questions, but don’t share personal details.
  • A real representative should be able to confirm things without asking for sensitive info.
  • Use apps like Truecaller to check numbers, but remember, no app is 100% reliable.
  • The safest option? Hang up and call the company back using a number from their official website.

How Scammers Talk

Scammers can be charming  and often, pushy. Some act super friendly to gain your trust. Others sound strict or bossy to scare you into acting fast so pay close attention to how they talk. It can be the biggest giveaway.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you think you’ve spoken to a scammer:

  • Report it to your service provider right away.
  • Check if any of your personal info has been changed.
  • Change your passwords immediately.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication if you can. 

Knowledge Is Power

Being cautious doesn’t mean missing out on good opportunities—it just means making sure everything is safe and legit.

Stay alert. If you aren’t sure about the caller’s intentions, ask questions. Above all,, trust your gut. If it feels suspicious, chances are, it is!

Next time your phone rings, remember, a little caution can go a long way in protecting your money and personal info.

TECH NEWS

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Huawei P80 Series: 2025's Photography Game Changer

Huawei’s P80 Series has landed in South Africa with a massive 1-inch camera sensor, AI smarts, and serious power under the hood. Here’s what you need to know about the specs, prices, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.A New Era in Mobile PhotographyHuawei’s P80 Series (aka Pura 80) officially launched in South Africa in August 2025 and it’s already making noise. This isn’t your average flagship it’s basically a pro camera that just happens to make phone calls.With its 1-inch Ultra Lighting sensor and Dual Telephoto zoom system, Huawei has tackled two of the biggest frustrations for South African users: blurry low-light shots and grainy zoom pics. Whether you’re photographing a sunset over Table Mountain or zooming in on lions during a Kruger safari, the P80 promises shots that make you say, “Yoh, that’s sharp!”Design & Build: Stylish but Built for SAThe P80 Series isn’t just about looks it’s tough enough for our local conditions:Glazed finishes & Sunburst patterns  The Gold option screams Sandton chic, while the Glazed Black looks right at home in a Cape Town coffee shop.6.8-inch LTPO OLED display (120Hz adaptive)  Smooth scrolling whether you’re doomscrolling Twitter during loadshedding or watching rugby highlights.3,000 nits brightness  No more shading your screen with your hand at a Saturday braai. Even under Durban’s midday sun, everything is crisp.IP68/IP69 water resistance  Drop it at the beach in Clifton or take a dust storm drive in the Karoo it’ll survive.Kunlun Glass (233g)  Lightweight enough for all-day use, yet rugged. Think tossing it in your hiking backpack without stressing.Camera: A Serious Upgrade for Creators & Everyday MomentsThis is the main event. Huawei didn’t play safe here:50MP 1-inch sensor with variable aperture  Captures Joburg’s night skyline in full clarity — no more washed-out neon.Switchable Dual Telephoto zoom (3.7x–9.4x)  Perfect for zooming in on your kid’s soccer goal from the other side of the field without losing detail.Hyperspectral imaging Whether it’s the deep blue of the Indian Ocean in Durban or the earthy tones of a Karoo sunset, colours pop naturally.AI scene recognition  Point at a bunny chow in Durban or a bunny at the Free State farm, and the AI knows exactly how to balance colours and lighting.Pros:Low-light beast finally takes proper shots of your birthday cake when Eskom stage 6 hits.Wildlife photography zoom in on elephants in Addo without disturbing them.Video — stabilisation so smooth you’ll want to vlog your Cape Town Cycle Tour ride.Cons:Camera bump sticks out it won’t lie flat on the table.HarmonyOS means you can’t just download any third-party photo app (though Huawei’s built-in tools are powerful).Performance & Battery: Kirin Power Meets SA Use CasesKirin 9020 chip (5nm) + up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage Handles multitasking like a champ  from Teams calls, to TikTok editing, to Waze navigation on your commute.Battery (Pro: 5,170mAh | Ultra: 5,700mAh)  Enough to last a full day at Oppikoppi even if you’re snapping pics, live-streaming sets, and using Maps to find your tent.100W wired charging (0–50% in 12 mins)  Forgot to charge before leaving for work? A quick plug-in while you shower sorts you out.80W wireless charging (0–50% in 18 mins)  Drop it on your desk stand while making coffemondo.co.zae it’s halfway charged before you finish your cup.Software: HarmonyOS 5.1 Gets LocalHarmonyOS has matured, and while it’s not Android, it has perks South Africans will appreciate:Anti-peeping screen protection Sitting on a packed Gautrain? Nosy neighbour can’t spy on your WhatsApps.Cross-device magic Snap pics on your P80 and instantly edit them on your MatePad  no cables, no hassle.Dual satellite comms Hiking the Drakensberg or road-tripping Namibia? You can still send SOS messages without signal.Downside? No Google Play Store. You’ll use Huawei’s AppGallery or sideload apps. But many South African essentials like Capitec, Nedbank, Takealot, and Superbalist are already there.Price & Availability in SAHuawei is targeting Samsung and Apple head-on. The lineup costs:P80 R28,000 – R32,000P80 Pro R35,000 – R38,000P80 Ultra R40,000 – R45,000You’ll find them at mondo.co.za, with early buyers bagging freebies like wireless chargers and premium cases.Should You Upgrade?Here’s the truth:Content creators, photographers, vloggers → Absolutely worth it. Imagine turning your Kruger trip or Cape Town vlog into content that looks professional.Business professionals → Solid bet. Battery, durability, and privacy features (like anti-peeping) make it reliable on the move.Everyday users → The base P80 gives you most of the magic at a more affordable price.Die-hard Google users → If you can’t live without Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube apps, HarmonyOS will feel restrictive.Final VerdictThe Huawei P80 Series isn’t just a smartphone it’s a photography powerhouse that finally gets mobile cameras right. From golden hour shots on Signal Hill to all-day use at festivals, it’s a phone built for South African lifestyles.Yes, it’s pricey. But if you want the best camera phone in SA right now, and you’re willing to adapt to Huawei’s ecosystem, the P80 deserves a spot in your pocket.

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Compare The Huawei P80 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra

Compare the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra to find out which smartphone delivers better camera quality, specs and performance.What’s Your Pick?When it comes to high-end smartphones, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are the hottest contenders of 2025 right now. Both packed with powerhouse specs and features that’ll make your tech-loving heart race.They each carry standout cameras, blazing-fast processors and sleek designs to the table. But which one takes the crown overall?We’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can confidently pick the perfect smartphone that’ll keep up with you.DesignHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro rocks a glazed texture finish that is reminiscent of a pool of water. It comes in two eye-catching colours: a sleek black and a vibrant red. The colours really pop in natural light but heads up, the camera island at the back is a bit hard to miss. It’s pretty big and adds some extra bulk to the device as a whole, so if you’re all about slim phones, this one might feel a tad chunky in your hand.On the bright side (literally), the 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display dazzles with up to 3 000 nits of peak brightness and a buttery-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Everything looks sharp and scrolling feels silky smooth. It’s the perfect device for gamers or streamers.Durability-wise, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It sports 2nd-generation Kunlun glass for solid scratch resistance and carries an IP68 rating which means water, dust and accidental splashes won’t slow you down.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a wider variety of colours to choose from compared to the Huawei Pura 80 Pro.  Take your pick from Titanium Grey, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet and Titanium Yellow. If you like your phone to stand out with bold, unique colours, this one’s definitely got you covered.Beyond the colours, the Samsung S24 Ultra sports a sleek titanium exterior paired with a sturdy 6.8 inch flat display that feels premium in the hand. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, built tough to handle everyday knocks and bumps.Plus, it comes with a built-in S Pen for all your note-taking and creative moments and a bright 2 600 nit display that keeps everything crisp and clear.Winner: Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to choice and build, Samsung clearly pulls ahead here. With a wider range of bold and unique colours, you’ve got plenty of options to match your style. Plus, that titanium frame doesn’t just look premium; it adds serious durability. With the variety of colours and the tough, sleek design, Samsung wins this round.CameraHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s camera setup is built to make every shot look amazing. The 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera with optical image stabilisation means you get crisp, clear photos even in tricky low light or when your hands aren’t perfectly steady. No more blurry memories.Want to capture those epic landscapes or fit a whole crew into one shot? The 40MP ultra-wide lens has you covered. And for the close-up lovers, the 48MP macro telephoto camera lets you zoom in on the tiniest details without losing any sharpness.Colours pop with stunning accuracy thanks to the Ultra Chroma camera, which uses 1.5 million spectral channels to bring every photo to life.On the selfie side, the 13MP wide-angle front camera with autofocus keeps you looking sharp and perfectly in focus, whether you’re snapping solo or with friends.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s quad rear cameras mean you’re ready for almost any shot. With a massive 200MP main sensor combined with advanced autofocus and optical image stabilisation, this camera helps you capture sharp, steady photos.Zoom is where this smartphone truly shines. With optical zoom options at 3x and 5x, you get closer without losing detail. Then the adaptive pixel sensor takes it further with up to 10x optical-quality zoom. Want to go even farther? The digital zoom goes all the way to 100x so no tiny detail slips past you.On the front, the 12MP selfie camera makes snapping clear, detailed selfies effortless, helping you capture your best side, always.Winner: This one’s a tie. Both devices have excellent camera specs. Choose the Huawei Pura 80 Pro if you want excellent colour accuracy, strong low-light performance and sharp close-up shots. Go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the ultimate zoom experience and a huge resolution main camera that captures insane detail.PerformanceHuawei Pura 80 ProPowered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro delivers smooth, responsive performance that keeps up with your busiest days. Running on EMUI 15.0, it’s packed with smart AI features and multitasking tools that make your day run easier.With a generous 12GB of RAM and a massive 512GB of storage, you’ve got plenty of room to multitask seamlessly and store all your apps, photos and files without ever worrying about space.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivering top-notch speed and efficiency to power everything you do with ease.On the software front, it comes with Android 14 out of the box, layered with Samsung’s sleek One UI 6.1.1. Samsung promises up to seven major Android upgrades so your phone stays fresh and secure for years to come.With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this phone effortlessly juggles heavy apps and stores plenty of your photos, videos and files without breaking a sweat.Winner: If raw speed, smooth multitasking and security longevity are your priorities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers more power and efficiency. Plus, with up to seven years of software updates, it stays secure and fresh longer. Huawei’s P80 Pro performs great now but we’ll have to wait and see if it can match Samsung’s speed or future-proofing.BatteryHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro packs a solid 5 170mAh battery to keep you powered through a busy day. When it’s time to recharge, HUAWEI SuperCharge offers up to 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless fast charging so you can top up quickly and get back to what matters without the wait.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5 000mAh battery that comfortably powers you through long days of multitasking, streaming, gaming and everything in between. Whether you’re juggling work apps, binge-watching your favourite shows or crushing high-graphics games, this battery keeps up without constantly begging for a charge. Plus, Samsung’s software optimisations help manage power efficiently so you get the most out of every percentage.Winner: Huawei wins on raw charging speed and battery size, giving you the power to keep going longer and recharging faster – a must when dealing with load shedding, unexpected power outages or when you tell your date you’re five minutes away but haven’t actually left the house yet.Samsung balances battery life with system efficiency, which helps stretch power throughout the day, but when the lights go out, Huawei has the clear edge in staying powered up and ready.Verdict Both phones are strong contenders, but it comes down to what you need most. Huawei shines when it comes to capturing vibrant, true-to-life colours in photos and powering up quickly with its fast charging- perfect if you love snapping pictures and hate waiting around for your battery to recharge.On the other hand, Samsung stands out for its top-notch performance and promises long-term software updates, which means your phone will stay smooth, secure and up to date for years.So, whether you prioritise stunning camera quality and quick charging or reliable performance and software support, both phones over-deliver on the high-tier experience you expect from this price range.  Ready to upgrade?Check out our Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deals.FAQs1. Which smartphone has the better camera? Both phones feature impressive cameras, but the Huawei Pura 80 Pro excels in colour accuracy and low-light shots, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities and ultra-high resolution for detailed photos.2. How does the performance of the Huawei Pura 80 Pro compare to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides faster processing and better multitasking efficiency compared to the Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s Kirin 9020, making Samsung the better choice for raw speed and future-proofing.3. Which phone has a better battery life and charging speed? Huawei’s P80 Pro features a slightly larger 5170mAh battery and supports super-fast wired charging up to 100W, while the Samsung S24 Ultra balances its 5000mAh battery with efficient power management and reliable fast charging options.4. What software do the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro runs on EMUI 15.0 with smart AI features, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1, plus guaranteed software updates for up to seven years.5. Which phone offers better design and durability? Samsung wins here with a sleek titanium frame and more colour options, along with Gorilla Glass Armor protection. The Huawei Pura 80 Pro offers a glazed texture design with good durability, including IP68 water resistance and Kunlun glass.References:https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/pura80-pb ro/specs/https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

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Huawei Pura 80 Pro Review 2025

Our Huawei Pura 80 Pro review covers performance, battery life and camera quality. See how it compares to other flagship smartphones.Smartphone, Smart Camera If you like your donuts glazed, you’re going to love the new Huawei Pura 80 Pro.Huawei is well-known for pulling out all the stops when it comes to their camera specs. But does the Huawei Pura 80 Pro keep this tradition going?And more importantly, does the phone’s other features match up to what’s being called mind-blowing camera quality that rivals Apple iPhones?Let’s take a closer look and see if the Huawei Pura 80 Pro is worth upgrading for.DesignThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a total showstopper under the hood and outside too. Thanks to the new monochrome glaze texture, the device gives off effortlessly elegant vibes, catching the light just right.The Huawei Pura 80 Pro comes in two colours, which for a high-end device like this one can seem a bit underwhelming, but somehow both classic black and striking red manage to turn heads.You can’t help but be sucked in by the almost liquid-like casing.However, there is a slight downside. The camera does stand out significantly on the back of the device even in its triangular island. It doesn’t affect the performance and photo quality so the looks can be a trade-off many won’t really mind.Enjoy a disassociating doom-scrolling session every now and then?  The good news is, everything on screen looks sharp and moves fluidly thanks to the stunning 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display and silky-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.And because beauty shouldn’t mean fragile, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro backs up its style with serious security. The 2nd gen Kunlun Glass and IP68 water and dust resistance means this phone is built to handle whatever life throws at it.CameraChasing the sunset, snapping your morning coffee or capturing a sneaky selfie when the light is right?  The Huawei Pura 80 Pro gets the perfect shot effortlessly, every single time. The rear camera setup is a triple powerhouse. It includes a 50MP 1 inch Ultra Lighting Camera that delivers crisp, bright shots thanks to smart aperture control and image stabilisation. There’s also a 40MP ultra-wide lens for sweeping landscapes and big group photos. Plus, a 48MP macro telephoto camera lets you zoom in close without losing any clarity.On the front, the 13MP wide-angle selfie camera with autofocus keeps you looking sharp and camera-ready, whether you’re flying solo or in the middle of the crowd. And with 1.5 million spectral channels in the Ultra Chroma camera, colours burst to life with rich vibrancy that makes every photo worth framing and sharing.PerformanceWith a generous 12GB of RAM and a whopping 512GB of storage, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro gives you plenty of space. You can multitask like a pro and stash all your apps, photos and files without breaking a sweat. The phone runs on EMUI 15.0, Huawei’s custom user interface. It feels smooth and snappy, packed with smart AI-powered features like app suggestions and multitasking tools that make your day-to-day flow effortlessly. At the heart of it all is the Kirin 9020 chipset, a powerhouse designed to keep things fast and fluid. Yes, the lack of Google apps is still a factor on this device, but the Huawei system has come a long way and all the apps you love are now easily available.Battery LifeForget the panic of hunting for a charger by midday because you’re almost out of power. The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is built to go the distance with its 5 170 mAh battery, giving you reliable all-day power that keeps up with your busiest days. And when it’s time to power up, HUAWEI SuperCharge has you covered with lightning-fast options – 100W wired or 80W wireless charging.Verdict The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a powerful, thoughtfully designed smartphone that delivers exactly where it counts. With its stunning camera system, smooth performance and all-day battery life, it’s built for anyone who wants a premium experience.Whether you’re hooked by the design, pro-level photography or raw power under the hood, one thing’s clear: the Huawei Pura 80 Pro is ready to keep up with your life and look great while doing it.Ready to make the switch? Check out our latest Huawei Pura 80 Pro deals here.FAQs1. What are the standout features of the Huawei Pura 80 Pro? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro boasts a stunning 50MP Ultra Lighting Camera, a sleek 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, powerful Kirin 9020 chipset, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage and a robust 5 170mAh battery with ultra-fast charging options. All of this is wrapped in a premium, durable design that comes with 2nd gen Kunlun Glass and IP68 water and dust resistance.2. How good is the Huawei Pura 80 Pro camera for photography? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s camera system is a triple-threat with a 50MP main sensor for crisp, bright photos even in low light, a 40MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots and a 48MP macro telephoto lens for close-up detail. The 13MP front camera offers sharp selfies with autofocus and wide-angle coverage, plus enhanced colour accuracy thanks to 1.5 million spectral channels.3. How does the Huawei Pura 80 Pro perform in everyday use? Powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset and supported by 12GB of RAM, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro runs smoothly on EMUI 15.0, featuring smart AI enhancements for multitasking and app suggestions. It offers fast, lag-free performance no matter if you’re gaming, streaming or juggling multiple apps.4. What about the battery life and charging speed on the Huawei Pura 80 Pro? The Pura 80 Pro’s large 5 170mAh battery provides all-day power so you don’t need to worry about midday charging. When it’s time to recharge, HUAWEI SuperCharge delivers lightning-fast power-ups with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging options.5. Is the Huawei Pura 80 Pro durable and well-built? Yes. Besides its eye-catching glazed finish, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro features 2nd-gen Kunlun Glass and an IP68 rating, making it resistant to water and dust. It strikes a balance between premium looks and practical durability for everyday use.References https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/pura80-pro/specs/

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