Privacy Policy
Last updated: 29 March 2026
ScamSpot is a South African consumer protection application that helps users verify whether job opportunities, tenders, investments, and business offers are legitimate or fraudulent. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following information when you use ScamSpot:
- Account information: Your name and email address when you create an account
- Scan content: Text, URLs, or extracted text from files you submit for analysis
- Scan results: The verdict (SCAM or REAL) and reasons for each scan
- Preferences: Your preferred province and job type for personalised job alerts
- Device token: Your device's push notification token to deliver job alerts
- Usage data: Basic analytics to improve app performance
2. Information We Do NOT Collect
- We do not store uploaded images or PDF files — only extracted text is retained
- We do not collect your location, contacts, or phone number
- We do not sell your personal information to third parties
- We do not use your data for advertising profiling
- We do not share your scan history with employers, government, or any third party
3. How We Use Your Information
Your information is used exclusively to:
- Analyse submitted content for scam indicators and return a verdict
- Save your scan history so you can review past results
- Send you personalised job alert notifications based on your preferences (8am and 8pm daily)
- Improve the accuracy of our scam detection engine
- Maintain the security and integrity of the platform
4. AI and Third-Party Processing
ScamSpot uses Google Gemini AI to analyse content that passes our initial hard-rule checks. When content is sent to Gemini for analysis:
- Only the text content you submit is sent — never your personal details
- Processing is governed by Google's Privacy Policy
- We do not use AI to make automated decisions about you as a person — only about the content you submit
5. Data Storage and Security
- Your data is stored securely on Google Firebase infrastructure (Firestore)
- All data in transit is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
- Each user can only access their own data — no cross-user data access is possible
- You can delete all your scan history at any time from the Profile screen
- You can delete your account by contacting us at the email below
6. Push Notifications
If you enable notifications, ScamSpot will send you:
- Morning job alerts (8am SA time) — new jobs matching your preferred province and job type
- Evening job alerts (8pm SA time) — additional opportunities
You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings or by updating your preferences in the Profile screen.
7. Jobs and Tenders Data
Job listings displayed in ScamSpot are sourced from publicly available company recruitment portals. Tender listings are sourced from the South African National Treasury eTenders portal (etenders.gov.za). ScamSpot does not store or process any personal data related to job applications — all applications go directly to the employer.
8. Children's Privacy
ScamSpot is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
9. Your Rights (POPIA)
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), South African users have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Object to the processing of your personal information
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
10. Data Retention
- Scan history is retained until you delete it or close your account
- Account data is retained until you request deletion
- Push notification tokens are deleted when you sign out
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or by email. Continued use of ScamSpot after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
For any privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns, please contact us: