BEREA SAPS has provided warnings and tips on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams.
According to Capt Poobalan Naidoo from Berea SAPS, phishing and fraud scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit card details by calling, sending emails or cellphone messages that look like they come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies.
“Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank which request your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by emails. Never provide your online ID, password or pin number and never write them down or share them,” he said.
Naidoo urged people not to save internet banking passwords on their desktops and not to leave their computer unattended after having entered an internet banking password.
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“Always log off or sign off at the end of a session. Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafes or on any computer that can be used by people you do not know,” he said.
Naidoo recommended changing pins or passwords frequently and to put sensible limits on accounts.
“Only provide your credit details to reputable companies. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know or trust,” he said.
In other awareness, Naidoo once again urged residents not to leave valuables exposed in their motor vehicles.
“Theft out of motor vehicle is a problem in all areas but this can be avoided by not leaving valuables exposed in motor vehicles. The most common items taken are laptops, cellphones, cash, tools, clothing, sunglasses, handbags and sound equipment. Criminals are opportunists so we as the community must eliminate the opportunity to commit crime. Let’s help reduce crime together,” he said.
Naidoo said it must be stressed once again that no money is to be paid outside universities for fees or registration. He urged students not to fall for registration scams, and to only pay at the cash office inside the universities, obtaining a receipt as proof of payment.
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