The Heidelberg SAPS station commander, Colonel Phiwe Ndwandwe, shared his concerns regarding the latest criminal trends in Heidelberg.
On August 7, Ndwandwe called a meeting with all media stakeholders in Heidelberg.
Robberies, house burglaries, hijackings and muggings remain problematic.
Coupled with that, scams and fraud are on the increase in Heidelberg.
“The criminals do not just target a specific age group but do crime across the board, and everyone can be a victim,” Ndwandwe said.
Here are tips to help prevent scams:
• Research retailers online to ensure they are legitimate.
• Ensure their website is secure.
• Know your rights and the company’s returns policy.
• Keep software and virus protection up-to-date and use strong passwords for online accounts.
• Do not use public Wi-Fi.
• Do not divulge your personal information to anyone.
• Do not respond to SMSes.
• If possible, pay with a credit card.
• Be smart. Do not buy from an unapproved vendor or a place where you do not feel 100% at ease.
• If you feel uneasy about a transaction, don’t follow through with it.
• Contact your bank if you are unsure.
“Many community members use online shopping because of the ease of buying from the comfort of your home. They do not research the company and lose out big time,” Ndwandwe said.
The Heidelberg SAPS meets with various bank managers to get information on online fraud and how to combat it more effectively.
They will visit the Suikerbosoord to educate the residents about the pitfalls of online shopping and what they should do.
“Rather be safe than sorry. It is your hard-earned money, and you do not want to part with it and not show any returns,” Ndwandwe concluded.
