Edenvale SAPS issues warning as number of fraud cases becomes a concern

SAPS warned community members not to fall victim to fraudsters and scams.

The Edenvale SAPS has noticed a rise in fraud cases around Edenvale and the police urged the community not to become victims.

Communication officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile said this warning was issued in light of the increase in fraud cases in the Edenvale precinct.

Police urged the community to remain vigilant.

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Mashile said most of the incidents occur telephonically.

“People will call you pretending that they are selling a car or pets,” said Mashile.

He said several community members have fallen victim to the perpetrators.

“Scams can cost victims a lot of money and cause a great deal of distress,” said Mashile.

Offering preventative advice Mashie said the below tips will help keep community members and their families safe from scamsters.

• Never respond to emails or SMS’ from your bank that request your details.

“No bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email,” said Mashile.

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• Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone.

• Never write down or save your online ID, password or PIN on your phone

• Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop or electronic device.

• Do not leave your computer unattended after entering your internet banking password.

• Always log off or sign off at the end of a banking session.

• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on computers that can be accessed by the public.

• Change your PIN and passwords frequently.

• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.

• Only provide credit card details to reputable companies.

• If it looks or sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

• Never provide banking or account information to anyone you do not know and trust.

Mashile said the management of Edenvale Police Station is working hard to get to the bottom of these crimes.