Johannesburg – The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has urged consumers to be careful when downloading apps, particularly from unofficial websites or unknown sources.
In a statement on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, SABRIC said it was aware of suspicious apps linked to streaming content.
“Consumers should be cautious of unfamiliar apps offering free or discounted streaming, entertainment, or other services,” SABRIC warned.
“Some cases are still under investigation, including how consumers accessed or installed the apps.
“Think before you download. If you cannot verify where an app comes from, do not install it on your device.”
Malicious apps can put your digital banking at risk
SABRIC warned that some malicious apps may access sensitive information, capture what is displayed on your screen, or take control of certain functions on your device.
“If you use the same device for your Banking App or Online banking, this could put your personal and banking information at risk and create opportunities for fraud,” SABRIC said.
“However, finding a suspicious or malicious app on a device does not automatically mean that a consumer’s bank account or Banking App has been compromised.”
SABRIC said each incident must be investigated to establish whether the malware is linked to unauthorised banking activity or fraudulent transactions.
Free does not always mean safe
Free or heavily discounted entertainment can be attractive, but SABRIC stated that consumers should be cautious when an offer requires them to download an unfamiliar app.
SABRIC warned consumers should be particularly careful if:
• an app must be downloaded from an unofficial website or unknown source;
• a link or message asks you to install an unfamiliar app;
• an app asks for permissions that do not seem necessary;
• free or heavily discounted premium content is offered through an unfamiliar app;
• you cannot verify who developed or provided the app; or
• an unfamiliar app suddenly appears on your device.
SABRIC said this does not mean that all streaming apps or promotions are dangerous.
“The warning is to take extra care when you cannot verify an app’s source, legitimacy or the permissions it requests,” explained SABRIC.
Know the warning signs
SABRIC’s previous reporting has identified malicious apps disguised as legitimate applications.
Such malware can pose a risk to consumers’ personal and banking information.
SABRIC said consumers should be suspicious when an unfamiliar app:
• asks for access to sensitive functions on your device;
• requests permissions that do not make sense for what the app is supposed to do;
• asks you to change security or accessibility settings;
• comes from outside a trusted app store; or
• causes your device to behave unusually after installation.
“Do not automatically approve permissions simply because an app asks for them,” SABRIC stated.
Protect your device. Protect your money
Your mobile phone and other connected devices form part of your digital security.
If you use them for banking, protecting the device helps protect your personal and financial information.
SABRIC encourages consumers to:
• Download apps from trusted, official app stores.
• Avoid installing apps from unfamiliar links or websites.
• Check what permissions an app is requesting before accepting them.
• Keep your phone, apps, and other connected devices updated.
• Use official banking apps and trusted banking channels.
• Never share banking passwords, PINs or OTPs.
• Act immediately if you notice unusual activity on your device or bank account.
“If you suspect that your device has been compromised, stop using the suspicious app and contact your bank directly using its official contact channels,” SABRIC said.
Stop. Check. Then Download
“A free offer is not worth putting your digital security at risk,” SABRIC said.
“If an app or streaming offer looks attractive but requires you to download software from an unofficial source, asks for unusual permissions, or cannot be verified, stop and check before installing it.
“Think before you download. Protect your device. Protect your banking information.”
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