The SAPS had previously issued an alert to the public about cybercrimes, and there was a significant drop in the cases of cyber-related criminal activities.
In the previous month, the Brakpan police saw an overwhelming amount of fraud cases reported, with senior citizens targeted the most.
Prevalent examples of cybercrimes in SA are romance scams, sextortion, hacking, identity theft, phishing, EFT fraud, cyberbullying and social media profile cloning.
Using computers, networks and smartphones for criminal activities has become a huge challenge. People are very lax about securing their devices and have an ‘It will never happen to me’ attitude.
ALSO CHECK: Delivery rider knocked off motorbike by hijackers
The public is alerted to take extra precautions whenever they use the internet for purchases, money transfers, selling or even socialising. If you are unsure about a deal, immediately disregard it.
Cyber-related crimes are always too good to be true. The initiator/seller is always in a hurry to close the deal.
People should also know that no bank will ever ask you to give your details over the phone or to give them an OTP number.
If you receive a phone call telling you they are the fraud department and there are irregularities on your account, tell them you will visit your nearest bank branch. Do not entertain anything you are unsure of on the phone.
ALSO CHECK: Donors can win big in Clean Brakpan competition
If you know you did not enter a competition, why would you respond to an email or SMS saying you are a winner? It is an obvious scam. Do not fall prey.
Do not pay for any product or service you have not yet received and always choose a public place to meet the seller for an exchange.
Make a habit of enquiring about things. No question is ever stupid when it is about your hard-earned money, which can vanish right before your eyes because of ignorance, naivete or desperation.
The SAPS urges the public to report any cybercrime or suspected cybercrime online or to their nearest police stations or call 08600 10111.
