Nthabi Nhlapo reflects on the shock that jolted her out of holiday mode when she became a credit card fraud victim. Sadly, she also discovered that not much can be done to help victims speedily when these instances are reported.
It's time to get back to reality, and what worse way to be reminded that the dreaminess and kindness of the festive season is just a short break from real life than becoming a credit card fraud statistic? Once the elves returned to the North Pole, and the Christmas trees found their way back into their dusty boxes, thugs have started sneaking around, making Januworry more of a headache than it already is.
I hope no one else started their New Year as I did with a text on 2 January that read: "Miss Nhlapo, your CTM Store Card is ready for collection from your nearest CTM store today. Remember to take your original ID card/book or driver's licence with you."