TITLE:
Social Engineering and Victim Vulnerability: Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing in South Africa’s Cyber Landscape
AUTHORS:
Nondumiso Ayanda Ndlovu, Zandile Faith Mpofu, Slindile Ngcece, Bongolethu Diko, Nomathamsanqa Mthethwa
KEYWORDS:
Phishing, Smishing, Vishing, Cybercrime, Digital Literacy, South Africa, Victim Vulnerabilities
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.6,
June
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study examines the incidents, methods, and vulnerabilities of phishing, smishing, and vishing attack victims in South Africa through a qualitative desktop review of existing literature. The paper primarily relied on available literature to analyse how this type of cybercrime exploits technological, psychological, and social factors to target individuals and organizations. It has been found that cybercriminals employ more advanced methods, including social engineering, malware-based communications, and real-time deceit. At the same time, victims are weak in various ways, including low levels of digital literacy, ignorance, and a reliance on the familiar. The article underscores the value of digital awareness campaigns, technological protection, and behavioural preventive actions to minimize vulnerability and increase cybersecurity in South Africa. This study further contributes by differentiating between phishing, smishing, and vishing within the South African context and applying Routine Activity Theory to explain victim vulnerability in a developing digital economy.