Local police warn residents of fraud on the rise
Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them.
Edenvale SAPS warns of a rise in fraud cases around the area with Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile saying that the matter is concerning.
The Edenvale spokesperson advised residents to follow these tips to protect themselves and family members from falling victim to these scams making rounds.
“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 cell phone messages that look like they come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies.
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“Typically, these emails or cell phone messages request that users click on a link in the email, which will direct users to a spoofed website – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate – to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.
“These emails and messages can also contain a telephone number and contact person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money,” shared Mashile.
What to do to prevent falling victim to scams and fraud:
• Never respond to emails or cell phone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your details
Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email
• Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them
• Do not save your Internet banking password on your desktop
• Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password
• Always log off or sign off at the end of a session
• Avoid doing Internet banking in public areas such as Internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
He advised the community to frequently change their pins or passwords and to set sensible transaction limits on their accounts.
“Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
“If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
“Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust,” he said.
