The Benoni Police Station is currently investigating more than 40 cases of cybercrime, all of which were reported since the beginning of September.
“The continuous advancements in technology have largely contributed to online scams seemingly appearing more sophisticated,” said the police station’s spokesperson, Captain Nomsa Sekele.
“Active investigations into all the reported matters indicate that mostly older residents are falling prey to these fraudulent interactions, which are designed at robbing unsuspecting people of their hard-earned money.”
Sekele further stated that although all investigative avenues are explored, investigations of this nature often come to a dead-end.
“Cybercrimes are mostly committed by tech-savvy syndicates operating from all corners of the world. This makes tracking and tracing of offenders extremely difficult,” she said.
“It is therefore imperative that internet users educate themselves about the various methods employed by scamsters to execute their objective.”
Common cyber threats are:
• Phishing scams: Fake emails, texts or messages are sent at random to users with the addresser claiming to be from a financial institution or government department such as SARS.
The message often contains a clickable link which will request verification of personal and financial information.
Do not reply to such messages or open the link, rather opt to contact the institution via its dedicated call centre to verify whether the message originates from its organisation.
• Identity theft: Personal information is obtained illegally and used for financial gain such as applying for loans and credit.
• Online fraud: Fake websites, social media profiles and online marketplace listings offering products and services.
Deposits or full payment is often requested but the fulfilment of the order or service is not received.
“We appeal to the community to take extra precautions when interacting on social media. You would not willingly divulge personal information to a person on the street so refrain from doing the same online,” warned Sekele.
“Ensure that all online profiles are protected through strong passwords and opt-in to additional authentication processes. Carefully monitor all online interactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
Tell-tale signs that you are dealing with a scammer:
• If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Items and services offered at below-average prices are a good indication that you are dealing with a possible fraudster.
• The initiator or seller is always in a hurry to close the deal.
• Banking institutions will not ask clients to relay their credentials via a call or message nor will they request an OTP.
“During interactions with your bank an OTP may be sent to your phone which you will be requested to enter using a designated banking app,” she said.
• Should you be contacted by your bank’s fraud department claiming that irregularities have been noted on your account opt to contact the dedicated call centre or visit your nearest branch in person.
• When in doubt, opt out.
Do not respond to suspicious emails or messages and do not entertain suspicious phone calls.
• Make an effort to stay up to date with trending online scams.
• Question everything.
• Stay level-headed even during times of desperation.
Criminals prey on the vulnerable to feed their greed.
Suspected cybercrimes, fraud and scams should be reported to your local police station, institutions falsely represented through these communications or CrimeStop’s 08600 10111 hotline.
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