In light of frequent reports of cybercrimes, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, the provincial police commissioner, has issued a warning to the general public.
Criminals are using new tactics to steal people’s hard-earned money, and one of the most popular ones is online fraud, which targets unsuspecting victims.
“As we approach the festive season, the police are warning people to be more vigilant and to guard against phishing scams, internet fraud, online intellectual property infringements, identity thefts, online harassment and cyberstalking, as these are commonly practised by fraudsters.”
A recent incident saw a female allegedly falling victim to a male she had befriended on social media.
“Because the fraudster seemed trustworthy and the two of them got close, he promised to send her a gift. Later, a woman suspected of being an accomplice allegedly called her and pretended to be a courier company employee who was arranging a delivery for her. However, the victim was required to pay R1 850 up front in order for the package to be delivered.”
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
